QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA Career OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Astrologer The

ECLIPSES The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse

ADDRESSING ARGUMENTS AGAINST

JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 02 The Organization for Professional Astrology OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 1 QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA

Career OPA Certification Program has been The upgraded. OPA’s certification program is Astrologer Greetings not only about your astrology knowledge, but also about the management of your JUNE astrology practice: how to generate clients SOLSTICE 2017 02 OPA! or deal with difficult consultation situa- alf of 2017 is tions. We are now upgrading this program already com- to make it even more effective and useful. plete! OPA Details to come soon. H OPA and APAI (The Association for is trying to catch up with the speedy Professional Astrologers International) Eclipses time train and we are now joining hands. Certified OPA astrologers will be able to join APAI President’s Report P.1 are managing quite well! In process: 7 of the 13 tracks at the 2017 OPA as Associate Members. APAI is a ECLIPSES P.2 Retreat are sold out! And quite a few others British-based organization whose pur- pose is to provide greater credibility for Interview with Chris Brennan P.22 are close to being full. Brett, master of the naked eye night sky will be guiding us practicing astrologers. This affiliation will ASTROLOGY ARGUMENTS P.28 in poetry and factual insights through the bring an additional seal of approval for (hopefully) clear night skies of the Utah des- OPA Certified Astrologers. Stay tuned for Transits of the Season P.41 ert. We expect a tremendous event and will more details! Archetypal Myths - Sun and P.47 be delighted to see you there! We wish you all a wonderful Summer Essential Astrology, OPA’s forthcoming season in the Northern Hemisphere, and a ZOOdiac: Astrology for Pets P.51 book is in process. Over 20 astrologers smooth winter for our Southern tribe. Enhancing Your Practice P.59 have submitted chapters for this volume, Aloha! which will cover Astrology tutorials for Becoming an Astologer P.63 beginners and intermediate students. We Maurice Fernandez Interview with Kaypacha P.69 will soon begin the editing phase and are President, OPA expecting a release early 2018. Stay tuned! Editors: Arlan Wise and Maurice Fernandez Proofing: Nancy Beale, Jeremy Kanyo, Geoff Gronlund Design: Sara Fisk Cover Artwork: Jeff Lohrius INTRODUCING fineartamerica.com/profiles/ New Board Members jeffrey-lohrius.html We are delighted to introduce our new RAE is excited to be part of board members Geoff Gronlund from Maine OPA's board. She's a budding © 2017 OPA All rights reserved. No part of this publication as OPA Outreach Director, and Rae Rutter astrologer and about to begin maybe reproduced without the written consent of OPA, from California as Meeting unless by the authors of the articles themselves. her practice where she currently Secretary. lives, in Northern California, with her fiance and their puppy, Nova. Rae's mom GEOFF is an avid photogra- first introduced her to astrology while still pher, and originally the founder in-utero, and when she was examining and editor of a small press that published charts in the course of Rae's childhood. limited edition books of poetry and art, Rae is looking forward to learning more The Organization for as well as an arts and literary magazine about astrology through participation Professional Astrology that featured the likes of Robert Hunter, with OPA and helping others become Stanley Mouse, and an extended interview acquainted, or perhaps reacquainted, with John Cage. Geoff studied astrology for with this ancient science. twenty years and is excited to be part of the R leadership team on the OPA spaceship. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

THIS ISSUE Eclipses

OPAastrology.org Addressing Arguments

The Career page 1 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

SOLAR ECLIPSE August 21,2017 Albany, Oregon

In the old days, the dis- appearances of the Sun or Welcome to the the Moon during Solar or Lunar Eclipses were often perceived as an intimidating omen and, more often than Heart of the not, associated with negative outcomes, demonic possessions, or raging Gods “turning the lights off.” In astrology, eclips- Lion Eclipse timing of such an embrace between the es were often interpreted as upsetting for luminaries. leaders, particularly in Fire signs where by Maurice Fernandez It just so happens that the Sun is harm or even death could plague the King. 400 time larger than the Moon, and Today, with more perspective and 400 times farther away, making the observation, we may somewhat temper clipses have fascinated cultures Eclipse phenomenon possible. More syn- these gloom and doom projections, but across time, and for good reasons. chronicities in this respect: the Sun is the fascination about eclipses remains. E Whether the enthrallment was about approximately 108 Suns away from the This perfect alignment between the Moon the sudden absence of light, the astonish- Earth, and the Moon is approximately and the Sun appears like a portal through ing overlapping size of the Moon and the 108 Moons away from the Earth (with which important changes can occur on a Sun’s diameter possible from the Earth’s some fluctuation, given the Moon’s ellip- personal or collective level. perspective only, or the dramatic world tical path). There must be some mystical We are now just a few weeks away from events that seem to coincide with the glamor to these measurements. a dramatic Solar Eclipse at 28 degrees

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 2 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

Leo, taking place on August 21st, 2017. This Eclipse is particularly noteworthy because it is in a Fire Sign (affecting leadership), and it will be in close prox- imity to the fixed star Regulus, Heart of the Lion. Moreover, the Eclipse path will cross the United States, and split the country in two parts, from Oregon to South Carolina. Speaking of kings, the Eclipse will occur in close proximity to US President Donald Trump’s Ascendant (29 Leo) and Mars (26 Leo), himself born during an exact Lunar Eclipse. (Chart at left.) Along with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also have the Eclipse in proximity to his natal Mars at 26 Leo. (Chart at left.) Invited to the Eclipse cocktail party, ex-US President Barack Obama’s North Node at 27 Leo will be in tight conjuncti- on with the Eclipse as well.

This Eclipse is particularly noteworthy because it is in a Fire Sign (affecting leadership), and it will be in close proximity to the fixed star Regulus, Heart of the Lion.

The Career page 3 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine August 21 Eclipse Facts

• A Solar Eclipse is a New Moon • Eclipses can be viewed in reference • First total eclipse on the main- in proximity to the Nodal Axis to two important cycles: land since 1979 (Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota) (of the Moon). • The Metonic Cycle: Every 19 • A Lunar Eclipse is a Full Moon Years the Eclipse reoccurs at the • First total eclipse to sweep in proximity to the Nodal Axis same place (containing 4 to 5 across the entire country since (of the Moon). eclipses). The Previous Metonic 1918. Cycle Eclipse occurred on August • With the internet, this will be the • The closer the New or Full Moon 21, 1998 @ 28 Leo. is to the Nodes, the more Total largest astronomical event in US an eclipse will be. • The Saros Cycle: every 18 years, history. 11 days, and 8 hours, an Eclipse • We have to pay attention to • Totality lasts a maximum of 2 of the same Saros cycle occurs, the and to the minutes and 40.2 seconds. Eclipse degree each time at 11 degree inter- . These That’s it. To experience that degree of the Nodal Axis vals. The August Solar Eclipse is will remain potent degrees weeks length, you’ll need to be slightly named Saros 145. The previous before and after the actual event south of Carbondale, Illinois. You Saros 145 Cycle Eclipse occurred takes place. might think about getting there on August 11, 1999 @ 18 Leo. early. • Nashville, TN is the only major city on the eclipse path that will experience 2+ minutes of total- ity. • Other cities: Portland 99%, Atlanta 97%, Cincinnati 91%

For more information about Maurice Fernandez, visit: mauricefernandez.com. R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 4 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

THE ECLIPSE ALIGNS WITH PRESIDENT THE METONIC TRUMP'S CHART: ECLIPSE CYCLE Kneel • One degree from his Ascendant and The Metonic Cycle is the closest syn- two degrees from his Mars. chronization of Solar and Lunar calendars Diamond • Pluto is partile square his Jupiter because 19 tropical years (6,939.602 days) • Retrograde Mercury is partile sextile nearly equals 235 Lunations (6,939.688 his natal Mercury. days). Therefore, an eclipse can fall in the and the • Venus is at the midpoint of his natal same degree of the Zodiac as one that Venus-Saturn conjunction. precedes it or follows it by 19 years. There Enigma • Uranus squares those Planets and was indeed a solar eclipse at Regulus trines his Mars and Ascendant. on August 21st, 1998. Its shadow was of Eclipse • Jupiter is conjunct his natal Jupiter, not seen in the United States, but it sure square his Saturn and Venus, and seems like it was felt in the White House. trine his Sun, Uranus, and especially Four days before this eclipse conjoined his Cycles North Lunar Node. Natal Sun, President Bill Clinton testified • Retrograde Saturn is exactly (to the to a grand jury that he had engaged in Death of the King, arc minute!) conjoined his Moon, an “improper physical relationship” with which was shadowed by Earth during Monica Lewinsky during her employment but What Does Trump’s natal total lunar eclipse. as a White House intern. Because he had previously denied such an engagement, That Mean? Are natives born during an eclipse the House of Representatives initiated more activated by eclipse transits? What an impeachment trial on the grounds of by Gemini Brett might these many simultaneous strong perjury. Two articles of impeachment were Planetary alignments to the President’s approved in December, including obstruc- nativity portend? Are astrological acti- tion of justice, but the Senate acquitted vations of a President also applicable to Clinton on February 12th, 1999, four days un and Moon are the Nation and to her citizens? I will not before the next total solar eclipse, which set to embrace in delineate these transits here, but will opposed his Natal Sun. the 29th degree of instead riddle the mystery by present- S st The House Judiciary Committee nearly Tropical Leo on August 21 ing intriguing historical themes of asso- expanded Clinton’s impeachment inqui- at the Royal Star Regulus and near ciated eclipse cycles. If we want to know ry to include campaign finance abuse enough the Dragon’s Head to bring the what’s in the cards for Trump, perhaps because there were allegations of con- riddle of night to the middle of daylight. we should ask the Tarot, where Moon is tributions from the Chinese Communist I’ve come to call this total solar eclipse th th the 18 Trump and the 19 is Sun. Can Military.1 Do rumors of a United States ‘Kneel Diamond’ because sages of the you see the corresponding astronomical president receiving illegal assistance from starry cloth have long knelt before Lion’s keys? There are powerful eclipse cycles of a communist country ring any bells today Heart Regulus as the ruler of the Heavens, 18-years (Saros) and 19-years (Metonic) with a Metonic Eclipse Return on the way? and because serious astro-folk from and the Lunar Nodes complete a journey Certainly the impeachment theme is cur- all around the globe will be “Coming around the 360 Zodiac degrees in a period rently echoing through the halls of the to America” to observe the infamous of time just between. West Wing. The Public Policy Polling firm Diamond Ring in the sky. What are eclips- recently conducted a national survey that es themselves most infamous for if not found 48% of respondents were in favor “Death of the King”, and why? Does histo- of impeaching President Trump while only ry uphold this omen of old? If so, perhaps 41% were opposed.2 Does Kneel Diamond the current ‘king’ of the White House foreshadow a death of the White House should consider seeking council from an king by impeachment? If so, perhaps this august astrologer. Any takers? eclipse has a greater chance of seeing We measure astrology from the center such a trial through because it will phys- of our Planet, not from Her surface, so I ically shadow the States, while the 1998 like to say, “just because you don’t see it, eclipse did not. doesn’t mean you don’t be it.” The eclipse portal is open for all, but shadow location is certainly significant. This will be the first total solar eclipse to shadow the continen- “just because tal United States since 1979. Its shadow you don’t see it, path literally divides the country in half and brings with it an uncanny number of doesn’t mean you strong Planetary transits to US President don’t be it.” Trump’s nativity.

The Career page 5 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine This summer’s eclipse is the third in a of the Zodiac because the 223-Lunation SAROS 140 to SAROS 145 Metonic String of four Regulus-aligned period of a Saros is not 18 years exactly, The next heartbeat of Solar Saros solar eclipses appearing in 1979, 1998, but rather about 18 years, 11 days, and 8 Series 145 following JFK’s death was 2017, and 2036. hours. The eleven-day component of this heard in 1981, the year President Ronald The February 2017 Solar period advances each subsequent eclipse Reagan was shot. Less than two months eclipse (8 degrees Pisces on February of the series about eleven Zodiacal before the March 30th assassination 26, 2017) was also the third of a Metonic degrees. (for example, the previous 145 attempt, an annular solar eclipse aligned String that began with the last total solar Saros Eclipse was on August 1999 @ 18 on February 4th within half a degree of eclipse to shadow the continental United Leo). Because Earth spins in 24 hours, the Reagan’s Sun. This eclipse does States on February 26th, 1979. The 19-year eight-hour component of a Saros period not belong to Solar Saros Series 145, but Metonic cycle can only produce a string carries each eclipse about one third of the rather to Series 140. The two could be of four or five eclipses because the Lunar globe Westward from its predecessor so considered travel companions as they Nodes circle the Zodiac in 18.6 years and three eclipses (a Tri-Saros) are required to have appeared in the same calendar the nearly five-month difference between return the series to similar longitudes. years since 1927, the year that Series 145 these periods quickly separates the Nodes Solar Saros Series 145 last shadowed first reached totality and Series 140 first too far from the Metonic New or Full the North American continent in 1963, a reached annularity (Moon will remain too Moon for an eclipse to align. year that will forever be remembered for far from Earth to occult the entire Sun the death of a king. It could be argued disc during eclipses of this series). that too much time had expired for the The last visit from Solar Saros Series THE SAROS ECLIPSE CYCLE th The 18-year Saros Cycle, on the other July 20 solar eclipse to be related to the 140 on February 16th, 1999 opposed Bill nd hand, has serious longevity. The average November 22 assassination of President Clinton’s Leo Sun at the time of his acquit- Saros Family is composed of 71 eclipses John F. Kennedy, but some astrologers tal as mentioned above. That eclipse also and lasts for about 1,280 years. Kneel suggest the effects of a solar eclipse have aligned less than a third of a degree from Diamond is the 22nd of 77 eclipses belong- a shelf life of six months, a year, or even the Aquarius Moon of John F. Kennedy ing to Solar Saros Series 145. The first longer. None of us can argue that the Junior who died in a mysterious plane th eclipse of the series aligned on January July 20 , 1963 total solar eclipse in the crash five months later on July 16th, th 4th, 1639 and the last will align over 1,352 28 degree of formed a partile 1999 less than a month before the August years later on April 5th, 2991. conjunction to JFK’s natal Saturn and likely 11th return of Solar Saros Series 145. Unlike those of a Metonic String, Saros aligned to his MidHeaven (JFK’s 3pm birth Many believe JFK, Jr. was on a path to Eclipses are not fixed to the same zone time has a Rodden Rating of “A”). follow his father’s footsteps into the Oval Office. Was this the death of a prince who could have become king? That February 1999 eclipse also aligned within one and a half degrees of George H.W. Bush’s Mars and two months later the CIA Headquarters compound in Langley, Virginia was renamed for this man who entered the White House in 1981 as Reagan’s Vice President and later planted a seed that might pro- duce a new sprout in 2017 of the Series 145 Kennedy theme. On October 26th,

The Eclipse path crossing the United States

The 77 Eclipses of Solar Saros Series 145 View animation online at https://www.facebook.com/ astrolonaut/videos/1936859439859662/. Notice how they begin at the North Pole and End at the South Pole. The opposite is true for a South Lunar Node Eclipse Series.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 6 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

BRETT

Solar Saros Series 145 last shadowed the North American continent in 1963, a year that will forever be remembered for the death of a king.

1992, President Bush Sr. signed the JFK Assassination Records Collection Act, which demands all National Archives records relating to Kennedy’s assassina- tion be declassified within 25 years.5 The records might be released this October 26th with Jupiter Cazimi in the 4th degree of and a waxing Moon conjunct Pluto at JFK’s IC. Are we prepared collectively to look into that shadowy death of a king that has collect- ed almost 54 years of history’s dust? According to the Act, one player could stand in the way. The FBI and CIA can appeal to the National Archives on the grounds of National Security, but only the President can block the release of these Kennedy assassination files. Are the aggravated relations between President Trump and these three-letter intelligence organizations today not reminiscent of similar tensions that rumors from con- spiracy circles suggest may have led to President Kennedy’s death?7 Echoes in the shadows of other rabbit holes suggest JFK was shot because he had the audacity to buck the big bank by printing debt-free money.8 It’s hard to imagine our current businessman President going rogue and printing Trump Notes, but the Federal Reserve was indeed one of many targets during his campaign.9 In a stellar article about Saros cycles, astrologer Bernadette Brady suggests the first eclipse “gives a ‘birth chart’ for a particular saros series and this chart sets the theme of expression of every other resulting eclipse in the series.”10 We shouldn’t be surprised, then, to see turbulence in government and finance during eclipses of this series, as it began its journey in the 14th degree of Capricorn (opposing the USA’s Sun) with Scorpio

The Career page 7 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Jupiter/Neptune strongly opposeing Pluto in . The first constitution in the American Colonies was adopted ten days after that January 4th, 1639 first series eclipse (see chart). “The Fundamental Orders” were the first ever constitution based on the idea that the “foundation of authority is in the free consent of the people.”11 One hundred years later, Abraham Lincoln, who had spoken out against the bank and printed debt-free currency, was assassinated.7 President Lincoln was shot four days after a lunar eclipse and eleven days before a total solar eclipse conjoined his North Lunar Node during a Nodal Return. That April 25th, 1865 eclipse is not linked to this summer’s by Saros or Metonic cycles, but its shadow path13 is similar to that of the February 26th, 2017 eclipse14 and that of the October 19th, 1865 eclipse Lincoln would not live to see, dividing the United States in half on a nearly identical path that the Kneel Diamond shadow will trace in August. On December 6th, 1865, less than two

months after the eclipse shadow traveled from the Northwest through the Deep South and across the Atlantic to Africa, slavery was abolished in the United States with the ratification of the 13th Amendment. It is encouraging to know the 1865 eclipse shadow that divided the United States in half accompanied the end, not the beginning, of the Civil War. Could Kneel Diamond somehow serve to Unite the States whose citizens feel so entirely divided?

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BRETT call this essence “Love,” with Aquarius principal “As Above, So Below,” but forget representing humanitarian love for all the Emerald Tablets first say “As Below, So and Leo representing the inner warmth Above.”19 The Planets do not simply affect Solar Saros Series 145 has also arrived cultivated only through true love for self. us, they reflect us. We are not only the as wars departed. Eclipses of this family We might call this essence “Creation,” with audience of the Celestial Symphony, we showed for the end of the American Aquarius representing the antenna to the are the instruments, the musicians, and Revolutionary War in 1783 and for the collective Imagination and Leo represent- even the conductor. The sacred science of end of World War II in 1945. The latter ing Inspiration, the inner source for living Astrology helps us align to the Signs of the means this eclipse family is also connect- life as art. It is not about destroying the ed to the first ever deployment of an nature of one side to create a connection atomic weapon. The eclipse aligned on to the other. The world tree must grow in th th July 9 , 1945 in the 17 degree of Cancer both directions. My personal mantra in a near conjunction with Saturn. Its As we reach for a brighter Leo, let us for the Fixed Sign shadow path connected the United States realign and not leave behind the revo- to Europe. The first nuclear test explo- lutionary sign on its opposite side. May polarities like sion mushroomed over the desert sands Imagination and Inspiration be con- Leo-Aquarius where of New Mexico one week later. When nected through a circle, not just a line. the Lunar Nodes Moon returned to Cancer to again apply True revolution stems from revelation. to a partile conjunction with Saturn, the Humanitarian love for the Many can have just begun an first bomb was deployed at Hiroshima. sometimes disconnect us from the heart 18-Month tour is World War II officially ended with Japan’s of the One. What leads the leaders into formal surrender another 27-day synodic decisions that result in the deployment “fix yourself to fix month later as Moon again applied to a of atomic weapons or the construction the world.” conjunction with Saturn in Cancer. The of nuclear power plants that inevitably longitudes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki produce radioactive waste we don’t are almost exactly opposite the center know how to deal with? Classifying such of the shadow path where the greatest decisions as evil or idiotic without first times, but the art of the chart suggests eclipse was seen two months before. contemplating their root is unproductive this is not a one-way exchange. We can Has Solar Saros Series 145 been forever for the growth of our tree. It is possi- assist in directing this eclipse and future mutated by the cancer of atomic power? ble thatthose often judged for “playing members of its family simply by partici- While my research does not ignore the God” may be rooted in Love, though a pating intentionally with its energy and scores of nuclear tests and accidents Strangelove indeed. giving intentional energy back through during the years of the series’ returns, When we follow imagination alone, we ceremony and offering. I also see negotiations during the 1963 can fall prey to the idea we’ll be saved by An astrology degree is not required to eclipse between Kennedy and Khrushchev technology. In May of this year, Tokamak see eclipses open doors to deep shad- that would lead to the Limited Nuclear Energy powered up the UK’s latest and ow work, but who says that work can’t 15 Test Ban Treaty , the beginning of for- greatest controlled fusion reactor, which be fun? mal talks between Reagan and Brezhnev is expected to exceed temperatures of Royal Regulus resided at 29 Leo in in 1981 that would eventually lead to 100 million degrees Celsius by 2018.18 This 1925 when Elsie Wheeler channeled this the signing of the Intermediate Range is seven times hotter than the core of the Sabian Symbol image for that degree 16 Nuclear Forces Treaty , and President Sun! Is it wise to create a star on a plan- where Moon and Sun will soon meet to Clinton’s 1999 press for the ratification of et? Doesn’t it feel like we should each get form the heavenly Kneel Diamond ring: 17 the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. a say in decisions to create devices that “A Mermaid Emerges from Ocean might blow us all away? Waves Ready for Rebirth in Human The MEANINGS Perhaps on some level we did, but Form.” Are we ready to be reborn? before we untwist that lid, let us first Perhaps it is time to reclaim reality from What does it all mean? I am not honor the possibility that this so-called the strange seas of mythic dream. What suggesting we prepare for fallout this “Star in a Jar” technology will actually suc- do we feel in our hearts when we think summer, but I do feel that the fear and ceed to release us from our fossil fuel and of the Queen? What do we feel when powerlessness invoked through contem- nuclear dependency by generating unlim- we hear names like Abraham Lincoln plating these nuclear links to the eclipses ited free energy. Here’s an interesting and John F. Kennedy or George Bush Sr. of 2017 can help us tune into collective riddle: how much should free energy cost? and Donald Trump? It is okay to deify on tendencies the Aquarius South Node is Here’s another: if the world Without is demonize these names of the so-called encouraging us to release, or, better said, truly a reflection of the world Within, how world stage, but this practice only stim- realign. For we are not meant to aban- can we receive free energy unless we first ulates growth Within when we look for don the archetype of the South Node free our energy? ourselves in the reflections of these entirely to engage with the other side. My personal mantra for the Fixed strange mirrors Without. The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac are Sign polarities like Leo-Aquarius, where The death of the King, but what does really six axes. Like hot and cold are the Lunar Nodes have just begun an that mean? What must we personally both temperature, Leo and Aquarius are 18-Month tour, is “fix yourself to fix the impeach within to free our energy? What two sides of the same essence. We might world.” Folks often quote the Hermetic greater offering could we bring to the sky

The Career page 9 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine diamond ring than that of composting 6 http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/sto- Path of eclipse preceding JFK Assassination: old hang-ups into rich soil for planting ry?id=129304&page=1 http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/1963_07_20 7 https://www.maryferrell.org/pages/The_CIA_ Path of eclipse following Lincoln’s Assassination: new seeds? Leo is about radiance, inspi- and_the_JFK_Assassination.html http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/1865_10_19 ration, courage, creation, valor, vigor, 8 http://www.michaeljournal.org/articles/politics/ Astronomical Convention for naming Saros Series art, passion, and play. May we go gladly item/abraham-lincoln-and-john-f-kennedy https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros. into the dark to light a spark at the Lion’s 9 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ html Heart and stoke a roaring flame! Leo is trump-attacks-federal-reserve_us_57cf51a1e- 4b0a48094a67d0f As a certifiable StarryTeller, Gemini about celebrity. They say Leo needs the 10 http://www.bernadettebrady.com/Pdfs/ Brett devotes his now as a living vow to stage and the spotlight, but truthfully SarosCycles.pdf the Marriage of Heaven and Earth. He the stage needs Leo because Leo is the 11 http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/ began his formal study with the Shamanic spotlight. I’m not talking about those the-first-colonial-constitution 12 http://www.history.com/topics/american-revo- Astrology Mystery School, but has since scary skeletons on the silver screen, lution/stamp-act synthesized his own terrestrially-tuned but rather about the one who deserves 13 http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/ celestial stew by integrating ingredients of the pedestal we place them on because eclipse/1865_04_25 many astro kung fus (from Hellenistic to their light shines so brightly it warms the 14 http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/ Evolutionary). Brett’s principle intention eclipse/2017_02_26 is to retrieve the Star Songs we heard in world. We are that one! We are the Star 15 https://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/ times before the written word. He trans- in a jar. We are the Lion’s Heart. Perhaps Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty.aspx the world appears rotten because we’ve 16 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate- mits the mysteries he finds in sacred forgotten we are the brightest light. Well, Range_Nuclear_Forces_Treaty sites and living sky through a series of 17 embodied exercise he calls Earthstrology, a strong shadow this way comes to give https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2009_10/ LookingBack and through the sacred sciences of the us new sight. 18 http://www.sciencealert.com/the-uk-has-just- Quadrivium: Geometry, Musical Harmony, switch-on-its-tokamak-nuclear-fusion-reactor Astronomy, and Number in Nature. Endnotes 19 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Tablet 1 Gemini Brett is best known throughout http://eagleforum.org/psr/1998/june98/psr- cosmic circles as an astronomy-for-astrol- june98.html Additional Links: 2 ogy expert and mystic mythologist, but http://fortune.com/2017/05/17/trump-poll-im- Find the eclipses paths for any year and associ- peach-survey/ ated Saros: the truth you’ll find when you get to know 3 https://www.rt.com/usa/368438-wikileaks-re- http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/search this fiery Scorpio is that his techniques lease-1979-cables/ Kneel Diamond eclipse path: are designed to water the heart through 4 https://youtu.be/_L3JuowHGKs http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/2017_08_21 re-membering Signs of the Messenger’s 5 http://www.history.com/news/last-secret-jfk- Saros Series 145: Mind. MoreThanAstrology.com files-could-be-released-soon http://moonblink.info/Eclipse/when/solsaros/145 R

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the Treaty of Kasr-i Shirin (1639) a per- in conjunction with Trump’s Jupiter also manent border was finally established, indicates that they will bring benefits to TOTAL the Persians keeping Erivan, the Turks eachother. The Square between their Baghdad. We can see that this series Mercurys indicates that the natives will began with an important event in that part be in close contact and potentially expe- ECLIPSE of of the World, so subsequent eclipses will rience disagreements at times. carry that theme forward. The next eclipse In the composite charts of these two in the series is on August 21, 2017. It will leaders, five planets form a stellium. the SUN light up 28° Leo, once again energizing Mars at 26 degrees Leo makes a con- many of the eclipses listed in the table. junction with the Sun and Mercury. This Analyzing the This degree also shows up in the World wars, so the events of 2017 will create USA and Middle unrest in the Mideast leading to fears of wider conflict.” (The Predictive Power of East Effect Eclipse Paths, page 231)” Lending credence to Bill Meridian, This coming by Mars, which represents conflicts and solar eclipse, Öner Döşer wars, will be in Leo in proximity to the eclipse degree and in conjunction with will be very close he second eclipse the North Node, while standing ori- to Donald Trump’s of 2017 will occur ental. Rising before the Sun, Mars will Ascendant degree at 28 degrees Leo flavor this era even after the eclipse. We T st on August 21 . Leo is relat- may therefore consider that the Marsian and his natal Mars. ed with leaders and people who have events (wars, terror, fights, conflicts and Interestingly, Israeli power and authority. Challenging solar competition) may be highly activated. st eclipses may bring both disgrace or loss As the eclipse on August 21 will Prime Minister of one’s position and great accomplish- occur in conjunction with the fixed star Benjamin ments. During eclipses, countries and Regulus, people in leadership positions leaders who are globally influencial are may have a desire for winning big vic- Netanyahu has usually strongly affected. New seeds are tories; their desire for attaining power the same Mars as and getting revenge from the people spread, new projects are started, and Trump at 26 Leo, new developments are experienced. who tried to eliminate them may be According to British astrologers triggered. As the eclipse will occur by two degrees from H.S.Green and Raphael, eclipses in fire the North Node and in Leo, the leaders the Eclipse signs may bring sensational events, turbu- who want to strengthen their positions lences related with religious, cultural and may collaborate with other leaders with social issues, conflicts and wars. They also whom they share the same interests. indicate the death, imprisonment, depor- Who are these leaders? Are they Donald tation or slaughter of a king or another Trump and Benjamin Netenyahu? person in authority. Many disagreements triple conjunction indicates that these and frictions between people are experi- Donald Trump and leaders (the Sun) will make common enced. The armies may be mobilized, fires Benjamin Netenyahu decisions (Mercury) on the issues they and diseases may increase, and crops Like many astrogers, I have mentioned will be fighting for (Mars). This conjunc- th and plants may get damaged. (Mundane that this coming solar eclipse, will be tion takes place in the 10 house of the Astrology, Books by H.S.Green, Raphael, very close to Donald Trump’s Ascendant chart. See the eclipse chart projected on C.E.O. Carter, Astrology Classics, 2004, degree and his natal Mars. Interestingly, the composite chart, following page. st pages 100, 182). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin The total Solar Eclipse on August 21 , According to William Lilly a Solar Netanyahu has the same Mars as Trump 2017 activates this triple Mars-Sun- eclipse in the third decanate of Leo at 26 Leo, two degrees from the Eclipse Mercury conjunction in the composite presages captivities, besieging of towns, See Trump and Netanyahu’s chart on chart, suggesting that these two lead- plunderings and profanation of holy plac- following page. Mars, being in conjunc- ers may act together during the days es (William Lilly, Eclipses, page 20). In tion in the two charts, suggests that around the eclipse. Their collaboration the eclipse chart, there is a Grand Trine two natives have the potential to unite may be related with military actions, in fire signs which also indicates that their powers to act and fight together fighting against terrorism and so forth. the people in authority will want to take for the same causes, as if playing in the Trump’s Mars and Venus returns will action and risk and to manifest their same team… their Sun degrees in Air take place within a short time after the powers. signs make a trine, so they appreciate eclipse. Moreover, Trump, who will be in Bill Meridian states: “The first eclipse and support each other’s leadership. A North Node Firdaria period until June th in this series occured on January 4, Sextile between their Moons reinforc- 2019, has his North Node in the 10 1639. Murad retook Baghdad (1638). By es their connection. Netanyahu’s Moon

The Career page 11 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine house of his chart in Gemini and in con- junction with Uranus and the Sun. This conjunction in Gemini, which carries the potential for collaborations with people in influential positions, manifesting leadership characteristics, unexpected outbursts and achieve- ments, indicates that the native will make efforts for realising all these developments through unexpected ini- tiatives or sudden maneuvers, thanks to his communication skills. In his natal chart, Trump will be experiencing his 12th house profec- tion on June 14th, 2017 where Pluto and Mars are located. The ruler of Leo, the Sun, leading this Profection year, is in the natal 10th house of the chart and in conjunction with the North Node which is the ruler of Firdaria period. This again reinforces the same thing: Donald Trump is about to enter a crucial phase in which he will be in collaboration with influencial people. He will want to showcase his management skills to the whole world while facing obstacles and criticism (Saturn transit opposed to his natal Sun). Mars in Leo, triggered by the eclipse, is the ruler of his natal 4th and 9th hous- es. Under these circumstances, Trump’s Marsian actions will be related with home and family issues (or homeland security issues when we consider we are talking about a leader’s chart). These actions will also be related with relations to foreigners, overseas issues, beliefs and journeys (as this is the chart

Donald Trump is about to enter a crucial phase in which he will be in collaboration with influencial people. He will want to showcase his management skills to the whole world while facing obstacles and criticism.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 12 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

DOSER These are all stressful and aggressive Trump-Netenyahu composite chart is of a leader, we may consider that the 9th positions. See natal charts of Trump and projected on Syrian President Hafiz house may be related with the relations Netanyahu on page 3. Assad regime’s chart (Nov 13, 1970 @ with foreign countries at far distances). This pressure on Iran will proba- 6:15am in Damascus), we see its obvious bly stem from Trump’s desire to be impacts: The Moon in the composite TRUMP, NETANYAHU, IRAN more effective in Syria. When the chart makes a close conjunction with the When we project the composite chart Sun on the ASC degree of the Regime’s chart while the of Trump and Netenyahu on the chart MC and South Node conjuncts with the of Modern Iran, we see that the stellium at 29 degrees Leo of the composite chart is placed on the With the upcoming stellium in the composite chart and pro- jected on the eclipse of August 21st. See Ascendant degree and the 1st house of eclipse on August triwheel chart on page 15. Iran’s chart. This means that the con- st vergence between these two leaders 21st, 2017 ...we On August 21 , 2013 more than 1000 and two countries can create significant may speculate that people including women and children stress and aggression toward Iran. were killed in Assad's power attack, The Moon and the Lunar Nodes of Trump may carry where chemical weapons were claimed the composite chart are on the 4/10 out a powerful to be used, in the Eastern Ghouta sub- house axis of Iran indicating that the urbs of Damascus. With the upcoming operation ... to st relationship between these two leaders eclipse on August 21 , 2017, just four years after the initial attack, we may will have a fated affect on Iran. Mars at overthrow speculate that Trump may carry out 26 degrees Leo in the composite chart Assad’s regime. a powerful operation in this region to makes a quincunx aspect with Mars overthrow Assad’s regime. at 25 degrees Pisces in Iran’s chart.

The Career page 13 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine ASTRO-LOCALITY This eclipse, pointing out important Using Astro-locality, we can identify developments in international relations, may also activate some developments the following points: [Trump's] - The midpoint of Trump’s MC-Mars related to legal issues concerning foreign (Acting and pushing the limits in pro- Mars-DSC Midpoint affairs, ethnic minorities, or religious mat- th fessional matters) and MC-Neptune line (pushing the ters (9 house of the US chart). (Delusions and illusions in professional Transiting Saturn at 21 degrees matters) passes through the east of boundaries of during the eclipse will be Turkey’s Syria borders, relations, aggression, in opposition with Mars at 21 degrees On another front, looking at the Astro- Gemini in USA’s chart. As Mars is th locality for Trump, we also see that and open enemies) placed in the 7 house of the chart, it Mars-DSC Midpoint line (pushing the passes through represents the wars and hostilities in boundaries of relations, aggression, and addition to competitions and aggression open enemies) passes through North North Korea with the other countries. This eclipse Korea as well as his Uranus-IC Midpoint as well as his can cause friction and disputes in USA’s bilateral relations with other countries. line. See Trump Cartography chart below. Uranus-IC These configurations suggest that Interestingly, the natal Full Moon-Sun Trump’s relations with North Korea and Midpoint line. at 22 Gemin/Sag in Donald Trump’s China will be activated around the days chart lies exactly on the US Mars axis, surrounding the August 21st eclipse. activated by transiting Saturn. We may now continue with interpret- In closing, I would like to project the st ing the leaders’charts that we mentioned eclipse chart (August 21 ) on the com- in this article. The eclipse of August 21st will occur very close to Trump’s ASC and posite chart of USA and Israel because Mars degree. there are interesting connections, see In the US chart (below), we see the chart on folloiwing page. The eclipse eclipse degree located in the 9th house of which will occur at 28 degrees Leo the country’s natal chart. This suggests conjuncts with the Midheaven of the that this eclipse will affect the relations of US-Israel composite chart! This signature US with foreign countries in far distances. suggests that the month of August will

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 14 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

DOSER

be an important month for the relations Öner Döşer, AMA, MAPAI, ISAR Cap Oner Doser is the director and teacher of between two countries and there will be Turkey Satellite of the Organization for Astro-Art School of Astrology in Istanbul. He important developments at the level of is OPA’s Turkish Satellite. You may visit his Professional Astrology (OPA) webpage: www.onerdoser.com/eng these leaders. What will happen in the days The School of Astrology, May 2017 around the eclipse and how will the events OPA Turkey on Facebook: develop? We can only wait and see… https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1628325654151225/ R With love, light and hope!

The Career page 15 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Here are the most important In addition, planets that change signs in a natal chart suggest that Pre-Natal parts to mention in a PNE they still capture the qualities of chart reading: that sign they were in in the PNE chart. For example, a person may Solar PLACEMENT OF THE PRE-NATAL have Venus in Taurus in PNE chart, SOLAR ECLIPSE but have Venus Gemini in the natal The most valuable thing to Eclipse chart; this would mean that there is begin looking at is where is the an underlying Taurus quality to the eclipse taking place by house and natal Venus influence. Charts sign. These placements depict the struggles or the gifts that a person THE NODE WITH THE SUN Understanding brings with his or her incarnation. AND MOON Whether we believe in reincar- It is important to identify if the Louise L. Hay’s nation or not, there is accurate eclipse occurs on the South Node information captured in this eclipse or the North Node of the Moon. Mission chart for each of us about the There is a tendency for South Node unfolding of our life, showing the Eclipses to manifest greater difficul- main things we are dealing with by Gaye Alkan ty in manifesting the soul’s inten- and why. It shows what the les- tion, because the South Node often sons are for our life path. We must represents something we need to As the luminaries, also look at the ruler of the sign overcome. When Sun and Moon “Sun” and “Moon” where the eclipse occurs to have are with North node, there is often are the bones of a a broader picture of these issues. G greater support in achieving the chart, eclipses are also in soul’s intention. the heart of astrology. There SOUL’S QUALITIES are many techniques that we use related We can look at the Ascendant of to the eclipses in the charts, including the PNE’s chart to identify the soul’s Louise Hay transits, nodal dynamics, or pre-natal personality and its attitude to life. Let us practice these principles using eclipse charts, each in their own way The sign of the Ascendant gives the natal chart of Louise L. Hay. She is an describing the dynamics of the soul’s jour- valuable information about possi- American healer and motivational author, ney. I would like to focus in this article on ble karmic issues and the deeper founder of the HayHouse publication and the Pre-Natal Solar Eclipses and demon- motivations of a person. In addition author of several self-help books. strate how it can guide our understanding to that, the position of planets Louise L. Hay will be 91 years old and about someone’s path. in the PNE chart refers to the has an interesting life story that cap- The Pre-Natal Eclipse is perceived overall nature of the soul’s qua- tures the Pre Natal Eclipse influence very by some astrologers to be a “bridge” lities. Each house can be read as strongly. First, let me share her chart and between the last incarnation and the a natal chart to define the soul. If life story: present one. Either way, this method there are harmonious connections Hay recounted her life story in an inter- brings qualified information about a per- between the natal chart and the view with Mark Oppenheimer of the New son’s struggles and purposes for his or PNE chart, the greater the chances York Times in May 2008. In it, Hay stated her current life according to the knowl- for the person to achieve his or her that she was born to a poor mother who edge of the soul. mission in life. For example, if there remarried Louise’s violent stepfather. The Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse (PNE) is is harmony between the elements When she was about 5, she was raped the nearest solar eclipse that occurred and properties of signs and aspects by a neighbor. At 15, she dropped out of prior the birth of the person. The chart between the two charts, it supports high school without a diploma, became for that event can be used on its own, like the goals indicated. pregnant and, on her 16th birthday, gave a natal chart, and also in synastry with up her newborn baby girl for adoption. the natal chart. The rules to analyze the PLANETS: RETRO, DIRECT AND She then recalled she moved to Chicago, PNE chart are almost the same as reading CHANGING SIGN where she worked in low-paying jobs. In a natal chart, with only a difference in When comparing the PNE chart 1950 she moved on again to New York. understanding: A PNE chart is the chart with the natal chart of a person, She explained that at this point she of the soul, reflecting one’s pure nature, it’s important to note which planet changed her name and began a career as intentions, tendencies, abilities and goals goes direct or retrograde in the a fashion model. She achieved success, to achieve. When the Natal Chart is com- natal chart. For example, when working for Bill Blass, Oleg Cassini and pared with PNE chart, the natal chart is a retrograde Mercury in the PNE Pauline Trigère. In 1954 she married the referred to as the materialization of the Chart goes direct in the natal chart, English businessman Andrew Hay, who initial soul intentions. Such materialization that suggests person can feel a after 14 years of marriage, left her for may not always succeed in achieving what limitation in his or her soul’s verbal another woman. the soul intends. This is part of the life expression. It was around this time that she found process dilemma. the First Church of Religious Science

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ALKAN By Hay’s account, in the early 1970s many speeches on self-development and she became a Religious Science prac- had the charisma to promote her ideas. titioner and led people in spoken I want to point out that her South Hay described how affirmations, which she believes would node is in Capricorn, in sixth house cure their illnesses, and became popular and the North Node is in Cancer in the in 1977 or 1978 she as a workshop leader. She also stud- 12th house. This Capricorn South Node was diagnosed with ied Transcendental Meditation with the describes that she had to confront health Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at the Maharishi issues such as cervical cancer earlier on in “incurable” cervical International University in Fairfield, Iowa. her life, and suffered from anxiety until she cancer, and how she Hay described how in 1977 or 1978 she developed her ‘positive thinking’ strategy. was diagnosed with “incurable” cervical Louise Hay mentions in her books came to the cancer, and how she came to the conclu- that she struggled to find her emotion- conclusion that by sion that by holding on to her resentment al balance because of the abuse she holding on to her for her childhood abuse and rape she endured and her difficult mother to had contributed to its onset. She reported daughter issues. resentment for her how she had refused conventional med- With Pluto conjunct the North Node, childhood abuse and ical treatment, and began a regime of we see a strong need for transformation forgiveness, coupled with therapy, nutri- to master her North Node qualities. They rape she had tion, reflexology and occasional enemas. are placed in 12th house, the place of the contributed to She claimed in the interview that she rid subconscious and the collective conscious, herself of the cancer by this method, but, the masses. Her work is based on “posi- its onset. while swearing to its truth, declared that tive thinking”, “affirmations”, transforming there is no doctor left alive who can con- the subconscious through a thinking train- where she learned the transformative firm this story. Mark Oppenheimer, New ing. This is actually a self-training which power of thought. She studied the New York Times magazine, May 4, 2008. she teaches in her seminars and her Thought works of authors like Florence books to everyone, to think positively and Scovel Shinn, who claimed that positive Louise's Natal Chart to make it a life time habit. thinking could change people’s material Louise Hay is a Leo rising, and experi- Her bestseller book, Power Thoughts circumstances, and the Religious Science enced significant success in the course of initially seems very plain. However, we founder Ernest Holmes, who proclaimed her thirties when she worked as a fashion can identify in it her fundamental need for that positive thinking could heal the body. model (the glamor of Leo). She presented survival, as depicted in the Cancer North Node. She always repeats these affirma- tions in her books: “All is well.” “I’m safe.” “Everything is working out for my highest good.” These affirmations helped her restruc- ture her subconscious (12th House) and find a better emotional balance (Cancer). She also had cancer, reflected in Pluto in the sign of Cancer in the 12th house (health related), an experience that trans- formed her whole life. When she learned that she had Cancer, she was a religious minister in a church, giving courses to her students. Then she realized that she had to go deeper, she was suppressing her own emotions and not really healing. This is the time Pluto in Cancer sym- bolism began to work in a transformative way in her life. This is an emotional trans- formation resulting from the affliction to her female organs (cervical cancer), relat- ed with the sign of Cancer and its ruler the Moon. She met many life coaches and studied emotional healing techniques. Her famous Mirror Work technique appears in this time of her search. Chiron in Taurus on top of the chart (MC) describes her wound and how she became a healer subsequently.

The Career page 17 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Louise Hay’s Pre-Natal Jupiter in Aquarius shows her teaching provides a healing structure to serve the Solar Eclipse skills and her innovative ideas that inspire greater collective. Her Pre-Natal Eclipse was at 16 degrees large groups. Direct PNE Mars in in the 5th Cancer, on the North Node, conjunct Pluto in With reference to the masses, we can house goes Retrograde and changes sign the 8th house. see that the strong emphasis in the into Taurus in the natal chart. This sug- Not surprisingly, we can see through sign of Cancer in the 8th house shows gests a strong motivation to actively work this PNE chart that she had to confront how she is easily affected by other peo- on her self-love, be in tune with her own death through her illness. ple’s emotions or judgments. In her book, needs, and take care herself (5th Mars in The ruler of the South Node, Saturn, she mentioned that initially she was con- Aries). But the Retrograde Mars in Taurus is in Scorpio and in 12th house, close ducting one on one consultations with in the natal chart describes her difficulty to the Part of Fortune. This placement her clients. But that was too consuming being in her body and the need to work describes the scaring and limitations and she became sick. She subsequently on these issues. experienced as a result of deep emotional decided to work on a more collective pain on a personal and collective scale. level instead. The chart does its job again Conclusion The Part of Fortune in this place shows with Jupiter in Aquarius in the 3rd house. As we can see the Solar Eclipse chart, in where the opportunities can come in She began to write and give seminars a close relation to the natal chart, shows this regard. and educate other teachers like her to a summary of the “main lesson” that Mars in Aries in the 5th house achieve her goal. one learns in this life. If one succeeds to squares the eclipse, describing a battle, Retrograde PNE Saturn in the 12th master these lessons, positive results and possibly related to self-love and personal house shows her imprisonment on an opportunities can arise. Louise Hay now development (Aries in the 5th house). emotional level, and having a difficulty has many books published, and has spent Indeed, she refers to self-love issues in achieving a healthy life structure, on the last fifty years of her life in wealth and her books. the soul level. This Saturn goes direct in health as she developed her career as a Uranus in the 4th house shows her her natal chart and helps her discipline publisher and writer in the healing fields. alienation from her roots, the motherland, her life and her emotional system. PNE She established her publishing company similar to the Cancer symbolism. Retrograde Saturn also may be interpret- Hay House, forming a whole community ed as a past life debt to be paid as she around the theme of healing. The sign of Cancer refers to the sense of family. Her company supported many authors and spiritual teachers, such as, Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue and many more. Hay House is a platform for seminars and books in line with Hay’s teachings, with a focus on “self-love” and “love for all” as a key to emotional security (Cancer). I would like to dedicate this article to Louise L. Hay, because she also trans- formed my life. Her North Node in Cancer in the 12th house shows she was a great mother figure to many people, including myself. I think her chart is inspiring for understanding our own missions too.

With love and light.

Bibliography Astrology for The Soul, Jan Spiller Power Thoughts, Louise L. Hay Ruhun Yolculuğu, Hakan Kırkoğlu Your Prenatal Eclipse, Rose Lineman http://www.louisehay.com/about/ http://www.fampeople.com/cat-louise-hay

Gaye Alkan is a practicing Astrologer living in Istanbul, Turkey. You can contact her via [email protected]

R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 18 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

future. A pre-natal eclipse sextile natal Sun. The results proved Einstein’s theory Mercury can indicate a native who is of general relativity, which describes grav- Einstein mentally very active. Einstein had ideas ity as a warping of space and time. This that were ahead of his time. He liked to was a revolutionary change for humanity expand his mind outside the box. in terms of understanding time, space, and His Another interesting aspect is the and gravity. Septile. The septile is 51.4 degrees The Solar eclipse at 7 degrees Gemini (360:7), often known as a divine number captured the new knowledge and infor- Supporting and is generally associated with divine mation that matched with the public completion and perfection. The septile announcement of the proof of the theory may represent creativity and an ability Eclipses to see beyond the visible. It can combine matter and energy, or a materialistic The results proved by Çağla Ercanoğlu approach with a spiritual one, in an irra- tional way. Einstein has two significant Einstein’s theory of lbert Einstein septiles, one is between his prenatal general relativity, eclipse and his natal Sun, and the other (1879-1955), which describes A known by the is between his natal Ascendant and world as a genius, is Uranus. Both support his extraordinary gravity as a warping ideas and personality. They show that it one of the most influ- of space and time. ential scientists in history. was his karmic responsibility to make a His picture appeared on the revolution in scientific world and share his cover of Time Magazine as “Person of the divinely inspired knowledge. Century” for the year 2000. He became of relativity—the eclipse is semi sextile famous when a Solar Eclipse in 1919 THE MOST natal Neptune at 7 Taurus, and sextile proved his spectacular theory of relativity. transiting Neptune at 7 Leo. The eclipse SIGNIFICANT ECLIPSE th Before analysing this epic eclipse, let’s Now take a look at one of the most is in Einstein’s 12 house which is associ- go deeper and look at Einstein’s prena- remarkable solar eclipses in history that ated with larger than life events, karma, tal solar eclipse first. also plays a significant role in Einstein’s life. and destiny. Prenatal eclipses are very important as The famous May 29th, 1919 Eclipse Moreover, transiting Mars at 2 degrees they show us our talents, spiritual assets, took place for 6 minutes and 51 seconds. Gemini was Trine the pre-natal Eclipse (2 potentials, and mission. The house of the Scientists measured the bending of light Aquarius – See chart 1), showing an activa- prenatal eclipse tells us the area of our life from the stars as they passed near the tion of his destiny in the world of science. where we need to learn our lessons and share with others. The sign of the eclipse shows us how we manage to do so. Einstein’s prenatal solar eclipse is at 2 degrees Aquarius. This shows his deep interest in science and metaphysics. It also describes his extraordinary and innovative thinking. The traditional ruler of Aquarius is Saturn, known as the God of Time. The modern ruler is Uranus, known as the God of Sky. It is as if a scientific duet of those two rulers motivated Einstein to work on the relativity relationship between time and space. His prenatal eclipse is in his 8th house representing his curiosity about death, transformation and the existence of God. Some people think that he was an atheist. It is probably because he did not accept the formal perception of God, but he created his own spiritual definition. The 8th house eclipse reflects his marked research abilities as well. The conjunction of his prenatal eclipse and natal North Node is an indicator that he would combine his past knowl- edge with his new studies and shape the

The Career page 19 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine The most remarkable aspect is prob- ably the Uranus/Uranus opposition at 1 degrees /Pisces, in his natal 3-9 axis. Revolutionary information became available to public. This discovery ensured that Einstein’s isolated life would change dramatically. “Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

References: *Astrological Prediction, A Handbook of Techniques - by Öner Döşer *Spiritual Astrology – by Jan Spiller & Karen McCoy *(The Mountain Astrologer) 1905: The Greatest Single Achievement in Human Thought - by Gary P. Caton *http://www.space.com/37018-so- lar-eclipse-proved-einstein-relativity-right.html

Çağla Ercanoğlu, is a chemist, cosmetics consultant and a junior astrologer. She has studied and just completed advanced astrology courses at AstroArt School of Astrology in Turkey. She is a member of OPA since 2016. R

the king of Acadiye. It told of the possible tics. The entire cycle from beginning to end death of the king, which might coincide is 1300 years. Each series of Saros bears August 21 with the eclipse. The accuracy of this fore- the potential of the energies inherent in its cast has been historically proven. birth, and the solar eclipse, with its asso- ciated lunar eclipse, conduct the energies Eclipse What is an eclipse? of the Saros series to which they belong. This is an impressive thing to see. It Important historical processes, the forma- in Leo occurs infrequently, and therefore attracts tion of ethnic groups, and the formation of the attention not only astronomers, but states, are associated with individual series also ordinary people. There are even peo- of Saros. This connection is not always lit- by Kathuna Noel ple who travel around the globe in pursuit eral and obvious, as, for example, once an this interesting spectacle. When the Moon emerging idea in its development takes dif- is between the Earth and the Sun, part ferent forms at different times and serves ince ancient times, of our planet is in the shade. It is always as a basis for the birth of new topics and people have observed on a small part of the Earth, processes. However, with a deeper immer- observed natural which corresponds to the place where the sion in history, the outlines of common S themes are seen. phenomena, the cycles of Moon projects its shadow on the Earth. the planets, and their influ- The fact that eclipses are not separate ence on events and people’s phenomena but cycles that have a begin- The total solar eclipse on lives. People were afraid of an eclipse, ning, middle and end was discovered by August 21, 2017 is the 22nd thinking it could bring health problems the Babylonians. The Greek lexicographer, eclipse of 145 Saros. and other disasters. But was there any Sudas, called these cycles a series of This 11th total solar eclipse of our cen- truth to that? Saros (repetition). tury will take place on 21 August 2017 The first documented information about One series of Saros contains a solar and its path will cross the United States. eclipses was found in the library of clay eclipse every 18 years plus 9-11 days and It is the first time that a total solar eclipse plates of the Assyrian king, Ashurbanipalis contains a total of 71 to 73 solar eclipses passes through this country in the 21st (7th century BC). It was the of which are united by common characteris- century. It will be visible from a narrow

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 20 Eclipses The August 21 Total Solar Eclipse: 28 degrees Leo

NOEL and not make any hasty decisions, as the perhaps some confusion. Retrograde information is distorted and, possibly, Mercury will reveal the back side of our corridor across the United States, from erroneous. The essence of the eclipse is subconscious, trying to rethink the level of Oregon to South Carolina. Its maximum also fatigue and related health problems. exchange and perception of information. duration will be 2 minutes 40 seconds, in The influence is weakening, but there may Kentucky. It is also believed that the influence be a disguise of real motives. In Europe, it will be partially visible in of the eclipse in the sign of a fixed cross The Sun and the Moon are on the the evening in France, Spain, Portugal, (Leo) may not be felt for a while, but if North Node in the sign of Leo, in front Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and manifested, it will act for a longer time of the star Regulus (at 0 Virgo). In the the United Kingdom. The next total solar and more thoroughly. All astronomical context of the solar eclipse, the star gives eclipses will occur in South America on phenomena can adversely affect our hope for victory, but certain tests must July 2, 2019 and December 14, 2020. The health. The solar eclipse is no exception. be passed and most of all the human next partial solar occultation will take Ring eclipse acts on people less aggres- essence is tested for revenge. place in Europe on 11 August 2018. sively than full. But the latter has a strong The planet Mars at 24 Leo will be close The most knowledgeable astrologers negative impact, especially in social and to the Eclipse degree (28 Leo). In a posi- in the field of mundane (world) astrology career sectors. tive manifestation, Mars can stimulate a consider that eclipses have a more sig- The eclipse will occur at the 28th degree lot of activity, passions and bright, memo- nificant and intriguing impact on world of the Leo. The Sun and the Moon form rable events. In a negative manifestation, events and, in particular, on world lead- a connection with Mars, simultaneously Mars will reflect a release of internal accu- ers. The shadow of the eclipse, passing forming a trine with Uranus in Aries and mulated aggression. through certain territories, indicates the Saturn in Sagittarius. This is a beneficial Eclipses used to be feared but they are countries that will be connected with com- combination, so it makes sense to plan now better understood. The Total Eclipse mon historical processes. important things and have no doubts is not truly a complete blackout of the Bernadette Brady on the series of about your abilities. The results will be Earth, but, for many of us, the discovery Saros 1 N (145 Saros): impressive, however, one should not of a new cycle in life. I wish this new cycle hope for their rapid achievement, because to be meaningful and useful for all of us! Unexpected events involving friends Saturn is involved in the aspect and he is or a group of people put great pressure the “guard of time”. Most of all, solar ener- Khatuna Noel is a full-time astrologer on personal relationships. Relationship gy will affect long-term projects, designed and presents a weekly astrological report issues can take on exaggerated dimen- for many months and even years. onn television. She continues learning, as Venus will be in the sign of Gemini, she considers that learning is developing. sions when an eclipse affects the map. Contact her at: [email protected] It is wise for a person to show prudence which gives coolness in relationships and R

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The Career page 21 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Interview with Chris Brennan

The Publication of

Interview by Maurice Fernandez Can you tell us more about the book cover design and its inscriptions – Hello Chris “Fates rules the world and everything Congratulations on this fantastic new stands firm by law?” release and extensive body of work. I worked on the cover with a brilliant I always thought that Horoscopic This is a truly valuable contribution to astrologer and graphic design artist from astrology (casting a natal chart, as our study and culture of astrology. Brazil named Paula Belluomini, and our opposed to looking at current plane- The book covers both historical primary inspiration was an image of the tary position only) originated during timing for Astrology, and techniques Roman goddess Fortuna that appeared the Hellenistic times and that it was, originating from the Hellenistic period. on a piece of sheet music for Carl Orff’s accordingly, one of the most import- Can you expand on the book content Carmina Burana. The inscription around ant contribution to modern astrology. and your objectives for publishing it? the wheel is a famous line from the However, you do refer to the fact that instructional astrological poem of the Babylonians also initiated the concept CB: Sure, so the book covers the 1st century astrologer Manilius, who of a birth chart during the 5th Century history, philosophy, and techniques of wrote one of the earliest astrological BC. A great deal of development seems Hellenistic astrology, which is essentially texts that survived into the present day. to have occurred during that time. Can the type of astrology that was practiced Thematically it is all connected to the you elaborate on that? in the Mediterranean region during the important philosophical concepts of Yes, one of the things that I spend time of the Roman Empire, from approx- fate and fortune, which were crucial in a bit of time on in the first chapter is imately the 1st century BCE through ancient astrology because astrologers tracing the development of astrology in the 7th century CE. Most of the basic during the time of the Roman Empire the earlier Mesopotamian and Egyptian techniques that western astrologers still conceptualized astrology as the study of astrological traditions, and showing use today originated during this period, fate. In that time period fate was often how Hellenistic astrology was partially especially in terms of the fourfold system viewed as a providential ordering of the result of a synthesis of those earli- used in birth charts that incorporates the events in accordance with a universal er traditions. So, for example, from the planets, signs of the zodiac, aspects, and plan or law, and in that sense astrology Mesopotamians we get the twelve sign the twelve houses. In the first half of the as the study of fate was used in order to zodiac and the concept of natal astrolo- book I spend a lot of time talking about understand the narrative of each individ- gy, whereas from the Egyptian tradition how this system originated and where it ual’s life, which in turn allowed people we get the decans and the precursor to came from, while in the second half of embrace all events in their life with a the concept of houses. It is only once the book I focus on demonstrating the greater sense of meaning and purpose. these two traditions were merged in the techniques of ancient astrology with over Hellenistic period that you get the con- 100 chart examples. cepts of the zodiac and the twelve houses One of the things I noticed when I start- ed studying Hellenistic astrology in 2005 is that even though a number of translations of Greco-Roman astrological texts had been produced in the 1990s, not many astrologers were using them or knew what to do with the techniques they con- tained because the material was still very difficult to understand, even in translation. Someone needed to translate the trans- lators, as it were, and write an overview of the classical tradition, in order to help contextualize and provide an introduction to all of the translations that are now available. So, that is what I set out to do with this book when I started writing it in 2006, and it took me 10 years and about 700 pages to do it.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 22 CHRIS BRENNAN one of the most basic or common astro- focus on the concept of fate, and part of nomical observations that each person the purpose of astrology was learning being used together in astrological charts, experiences in a very personal way on a how to accept and come to terms with and then at that point a number of other day to day basis. Being introduced to con- the things that you cannot change. I new concepts were introduced as well, cepts like that made me realize that there think that both approaches have their such as the doctrine of aspects. In this was more value to studying the older pros and cons, and it is important to way, the astrological tradition periodically traditions than I originally assumed there learn from the strengths and weaknesses goes through a process of reviving and would be. of each, and then try to find some sort of synthesizing older traditions, and then at middle ground between the two. the same time innovating and introducing A question from a reader: Was it a For example, although modern astrolo- new techniques. conscious choice not to include mate- gy is very good at finding ways to reframe rial on Solar Returns and their use in placements and get the individual to take In your personal story, you mentioned conjunction with Profections as both personal responsibility to make positive how you unexpectedly became very Valens and Dorotheaus mention look- changes in their life, sometimes it is not passionate about Hellenistic Astrology, ing at the Solar Return? very good at dealing with events that are having initially been more drawn to Although there are a few passing truly outside of the native’s control, and modern astrology. Can you explain references to solar return charts in the attempts at self-empowerment can what it was in the traditional body of the Hellenistic tradition, there are not backfire and inadvertently result in blam- knowledge that instigated that appeal enough extended discussions of the ing the victim for subconsciously creating and shift for you? technique that I felt comfortable pre- whatever reality they find themselves My assumption about the ancient senting my attempt to reconstruct the in. Conversely, ancient astrology excels traditions of astrology before I started “Hellenistic” approach to that subject at framing the chart in terms of figuring studying them was that they were old in the book. It is really not until the out what the native’s overall life narrative and outdated, and no longer relevant Medieval tradition that you get some or fate is and then coming to terms with because they didn’t take newer planets of the first detailed discussions of that or accepting it, although when taken to and zodiacal rulerships into account. I topic in works by astrologers such as Abu the extreme this could result in less per- also felt like some of the older rulership Ma’shar, and I wanted to be careful not sonal responsibility and empowerment, schemes looked arcane and nonsen- to integrate too many approaches from if the native simply accepts certain things sical. When I actually started studying the later traditions in this book, since in their life that might be more open to Hellenistic astrology though I found that the goal of this work was to present the change or negotiation than they thought. it actually had a pretty elaborate and Hellenistic tradition on its own terms. I see balancing those two approaches as well-worked out system, where you could That is a topic that I will probably address one of the major projects that astrologers clearly see the rationale for each concept, in future works though, now that I have will have to work on during the course of and the different techniques were often laid the foundation with this book. the 21st century. integrated with each other in such a way that it resulted in a consistent overall sys- What do you perceive being the dif- tem for practicing astrology. ference between today’s culture and I was also surprised that there were Hellenistic times, and how does that some techniques in the Hellenistic texts shape the astrology of the time versus that were pretty compelling and power- today’s astrology? ful, and they simply hadn’t survived into I think that in modern times there is modern astrology because the texts that a much greater focus on and belief in contained them hadn’t been translated the concepts of free-will and personal into modern languages until recently. empowerment, and this shapes the way So, it was that dual process of finding that astrology is practiced and concep- the rationales for many techniques that tualized in pretty major ways. In the astrologers still use today embedded in Hellenistic tradition, there was a greater the older tradition, and then recovering crucial techniques that had been lost over the past 2000 years. Just to give an example of the second category, one of the first things that any ancient astrologer would look at in a chart is whether the person was born during the day or at night, since this was an important interpretive distinction that would alter how the planets expressed their significations. But that concept was completely lost in the transmission of astrology over the past 2000 years, so that in modern astrology the difference between day and night charts is not usual- ly recognized as an interpretive distinction that one can make, even though this is

The Career page 23 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine What do you hope to achieve in bringing out how to synthesize the modern and astrology. The process of writing this book Hellenistic Astrology and this particular ancient traditions, and to take some of the took a lot out of me though, so I’m not in volume to our contemporary time? best pieces from both in order to create a a hurry to write another one right now, My primary goals were just to show new astrology for the 21st century. but we will see what happens. modern astrologers where western astrol- ogy came from and how it was developed, What is the next book’s subject? Much gratitude and blessings for the and then present some useful techniques The next book is currently titled “Chris increase in the reach of the book. from the ancient traditions that are worth Takes a Long Break from Writing Anything, reviving and integrating into the practice After Spending Ten Years Writing One Find out more about Chris Brennan of astrology today. I ended the book by Long 700-Page Book.” Haha… More seri- www.chrisbrennanastrologer.com R saying that I didn’t want my message to ously though, due to the length I had be misinterpreted as a call for funda- to cut a chapter from the book on the mentalism, or that “only the old ways are concept on the overall ruler of the chart, the good ways,” because the astrolog- known as the Master of the Nativity, and ical tradition has always been growing I may write a short monograph on that. and evolving. The next step is to figure Or possibly something about electional

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 24

today’s language. He also had to reconcile sounds more expressive than saying the deterministic Stoic philosophy under- the planet that rules the rising sign. The Book Review lying the techniques with the concept of Master of the Nativity rather than the over- By Arlan Wise free will. He finds that the Time Lord sys- all ruler of the chart. There are conditions tem can outline the narrative of a person’s of bonification and maltreatment and Time life in great detail and with stunning accu- Lord techniques. Through the translations, HELLENISTIC racy and ponders the ethics of revealing Chris gives us a vivid picture of how the this information to a client. ancient Greek astrologers thought and ASTROLOGY He begins the book with the histo- how they talked. ry that starts in the 7th century BCE in This book equals any college textbook. The Study of Fate and Mesopotamia where astrology was seen Chris’s writing is clear, full of details but as one of the languages the Gods used no excess. He documents his work with Fortune to communicate their intentions to footnotes on every page. Chris is a good humans. He then moves on to describe teacher and this shows in the book when BY CHRIS BRENNAN the Egyptian astrological influences on you read “…the important part here is…” Hellenistic authors. He mentions each or “In summary….”. Chris never assumes his introduction to Hellenistic astrol- author in order of when they lived and that the reader knows any of this infor- ogy is a valuable gift to astrologers describes their work. He includes some mation and takes the time to explain T who do not have the language skills literal translations which are fascinating every term, clearly and precisely. He illus- to read the manuscripts in the original to read. trates the techniques with many charts Greek. Chris Brennan does have those In the second part so that the reader can skills and has given us the foundation of of the book Chris get a visual understand- the astrology we use daily and an expla- describes the basics ing of the text. nation for the basis of the knowledge that of astrology, i.e., plan- This is a serious book. we take for granted. The book encom- ets, signs, houses, It is a scholarly work with passes a thorough , a from the Hellenistic a sophisticated vocabu- discussion of the philosophy that was in perspective and also lary. It is a big book, 600 the minds of the early astrologers, and an describes techniques, pages, and well worth introduction to the techniques they used. some of which are in the effort to read since Chris says in his introduction: use today and those by the end of the book My goal is to present, to the best of my which did not survive, you will understand understanding, both, (1.) A narrative that such as sect. As you Hellenistic astrology and describes what Hellenistic astrology was, read on you learn be able to try out some where it came from, and how it was prac- concepts that can of the concepts. It is rich ticed, and (2.) A demonstration of how it can become useful addi- in information and writ- be used again today. tions to your astrolog- ten from a place of true And: ical repertoire, such love for the topic. It’s Hellenistic astrology is defined as a tradi- as overcoming and thrilling to hear that he’s tion of Greco-Roman horoscopic astrology lots. He promotes the not finished, that there that was practiced in the Mediterranean use of the whole sign will be more books on region from approximately the first century system, saying: Hellenistic astrology to look forward to BCE until the seventh century CE. Part of the purpose of this book, then, is and more techniques to learn. As Chris His challenge came in reconstructing to demonstrate the efficacy of the whole sign says “I believe that by looking back into the the surviving texts, many of which are in house system and to teach the reader how past we can and will create a better astrolo- fragments. Another challenge was in find- to use that approach in practice. gy for the future.” ing modern words for the technical terms Hellenistic astrology is rich in language. Read this book. You’ll be glad you in Greek which don’t have equivalents in The Domicile Lord of the Hour Marker did. It deserves five plus plus stars! R

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The Career page 27 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

strology is commonly thing that exists is interconnected such social awkwardness results misunderstood and there- and influences each other. from a lack of proper arguments to A fore trivialized, or even Astrologers are often consumed address the confusion or prejudice ridiculed. The ongoing joke is with passion for their studies, against astrology. that astrology does a great job sometimes to the point where they This is why we find it important unifying Science with Religion, fail to fully know about the actual to address this issue and examine as they share Astrology as their foundations upon which astrolo- some of the common objections favourite villain. gy is built. They do find out pretty toward astrology in order to set the To some degree, we can under- quickly that loving and practicing record straight. We do not need to stand our critics - without proper astrology makes them less popu- justify our practice of astrology. Nor introduction and a direct experi- lar in family or academic gather- do we depend on approval to do ence with this powerful system, it ings, and for those reasons many what we feel called to do. However, is not surprising that many people choose to remain in the closet to understanding our critics helps us are bewildered by the idea that avoid having to justify their passion. better understand astrology, and meaning can be derived from However, more often than not, our own practice. faraway planets cycling in front We would like to thank the astrol- of imagined constellations! Why ogers who took the time to identify would the placement of planets at Understanding and respond to these arguments. our birth have any lasting effect or our critics We hope this will better equip you significance over our destinies? And in your own quest to explain astrol- if so, why do astrologers decide to helps us better ogy more effectively, and raise reorganize the sky to their own lik- understand awareness in the tremendous value ing, and make those constellations astrology, to be found in this system and body equal in size? And yet, astrology is of knowledge. not more absurd than the law of and our own interrelation - understanding every- practice. — Maurice Fernandez

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 28 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

ritual, art, land markers or simply tech- nology to measure the calendar? Since, Astrology astrology requires knowledge of celestial cycles with posed correlations and there was are no written records, these early origins remain speculative (Campion 2008). The earliest reliable evidence of invented by astrology comes from the Venus Tablet compiled at least 3,500 years ago. Over an old Greek a 21-year period the Venus cycle was inscribed in cuneiform script onto a clay tablet. It was part of a series found in storyteller Babylon that set out omens based on celestial phenomena (Hobson 2009). From these early records, it is clear that sitting in astrology and astronomy were developing together into a proto-science. front of the Much later, during the first millenni- um, scholars from various civilizations in Mesopotamia (such as, Chaldea, Babylon fire under and Assyria) observed the heavens often from ziggurats (seven-story skyscrapers) the stars. from dusk to dawn. Over more than six hundred years, they recorded nightly celestial movements and terrestrial events by Robert Currey onto diaries known as menologies. So, for a certain date, they may log a full moon with Venus in the constellation of Taurus, Over more than six hundred years, they recorded nightly celestial he romantic the price of grain, the water levels in the movements and terrestrial events onto notion that astrol- Euphrates river or an earthquake or other diaries known as menologies T ogy was invented mundane events (Sachs 1988) (Rochberg- by a sage in ancient Greece Halton 1991). is so widespread that even a few astrolo- Over time, these dedicated research- 18-year Saros cycle (Neugebauer 1991). gers believe it (Dean et al. 2013). ers built up the first known database. Meanwhile, the foundations of modern It was only in the last fifty years that From their meticulous observations, they astrology were established empirically. excavations and translations of ancient developed mathematical, astronomical The Babylonians derived the nature of clay tablets have revealed a different and astrological theories and models the planets, the twelve signs of the zodiac story. These discoveries come from what using the same level of rigour. Analysis and the birth chart. They also pursued is now Iraq and the surrounding area, of their data enabled them to predict early theories about sign rulership and once known as Mesopotamia – a collec- eclipses from their discovery of the elements. These academics are generally tion of civilizations – but here referred to considered to be the first scientists. by one of them, Babylon (Baigent 1994). So, the earliest known astrologi- Many of these tablets, from the second The Babylonians cal discoveries appear to have been Millennium BCE onwards, still lie in storage derived the nature made using the scientific method. at the British Museum and elsewhere await- Observation was followed by data collec- ing translation. of the planets, the tion, analysis, prediction and finally onto These fired clay tablets do not reveal twelve signs of the publication. This earliest known empirical the origin of astrology. There are many experiment was conducted on a huge claims by researchers from prehistory zodiac and the birth scale – comparable in time and resources ranging from Palaeolithic bones with chart. They also with NASA’s space program or the Large notches (ca.350k BCE) to figurines in clay pursued early theories Hadron Collider. Besides astrological and (ca.30k BCE), to the cave drawings in astronomical break throughs, the results Lascaux, France (ca.15k BCE) to detailed about sign rulership in mathematics, time-keeping, agriculture carvings from stone of Gobekli Tepe in and elements. These and even psychology and religion still Turkey (ca.8k BCE), to the alignments of have a huge impact on our lives. Nabta Playa observatory in Egypt (5k BCE) academics are Some critics consider that they weren’t and the Neolithic megalithic monuments generally considered scientists as they didn’t investigate the around 3k BCE: Stonehenge, the Boyne process that drove the phenomena (Ball valley in Ireland to the Isle of Orkney. But to be the first 2016). However, ancient astrologers was this astrology, astronomy, religious scientists. believed that the mechanism behind the

The Career page 29 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine cosmic order were gods with human or system. Johannes Kepler discovered his Campion, Nicholas (2008) A History of Western animal-like qualities. This was a perfectly third law through his quest for a harmo- Astrology Vol.1 The Ancient World. Continuum Books. reasonable assumption given the limit- nious pattern in the solar system based Dean, Mather, Nias & Smit (2013) Astrology Under ed amount of information available to on astrology. And Isaac Newton learned Scrutiny, pp.342-353 Section 26 The Discovery of ancient stargazers. This is not so different geometry through studying a text book Astrology. “astrology could not possibly be based from the supposition by cosmologists on astrology. on observation…. It was less discovered than made today who assert that we live in a universe up, …” I outlined the history of the empirical ori- References gins of astrology to Dean in an email and later of meaningless and purposeless physical included it in a review of the book. Currey (2014) Ball, Philip (2016) Stop Calling the Babylonians forces. This model may well prove to be Correlation Vol.29 (2) p.61. When Dean et al Scientists. The ancient civilization may have updated this book in Tests of Astrology (2016), misguided by future generations. tracked Jupiter using sophisticated methods, but I hoped there would be a section revealing the Long after the Babylonian Empire had their reasons for stargazing were very different empirical origin of astrology. However, the than ours. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/ returned to dust, astrology remained a Discovery of Astrology section was removed. archive/2016/02/babylonians-scientists/462150/ stimulus for scientific advances. Nicolas Hobson, Russell (2009) The Exact Transmission Baigent, Michael (1994) From the Omens of Of Texts In The First Millennium B.C., Published Copernicus was inspired by astrology Babylon: Astrology and Ancient Mesopotamia. PhD Thesis. Department of Hebrew, Biblical and to put the Sun in the centre of the solar Arkana. Jewish Studies. University of Sydney. Neugebauer, Aaboe; Britton; Henderson & Sachs (1991). Saros Cycle Dates and Related Babylonian Astronomical Texts. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. American Philosophical Society. 81 (6). Rochberg-Halton, Francesca (1991) The Babylonian Astronomical Diaries. Journal of the American Oriental Society Vol. 111, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1991), pp.323-332 Sachs, A.J. & Hunger, H. (1988) Astronomical Diaries and Related Texts from Babylonia, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna.

Robert Currey was one of the first astrol- ogers to write astrological software. This led onto his business Equinox, which has offices in the UK, USA and Australia. He has a FAS Diploma (London 1985), started the Astrology Shop in central London in 1989, qualified as an Astro*Carto*Graphy Interpreter (San Francisco 1995) and received a lifetime achievement award (Kolkata 2016). Nowadays, he is a con- sultant, lecturer, author and researcher. www.equinoxastrology.com

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Astrology under Scrutiny (2015) Dean et al.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 30 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

The wobble affects the point where the to go over all the 12 signs. And it takes Celestial Equator meets with the Ecliptic about 2150 years to go over each sign. The at the Equinoxes. Therefore, the Spring Hellenistic Astrologer Hipparcus is com- (Vernal) Equinox alignment changes 1 monly credited for having been the first to Precession degree every 71.6 years. publicly document the Precession of the This means that on March 20, at the Equinox phenomenon, but the Babylonian (Northern) spring Equinox, the sign that and Egyptian had referred to the Great of the rises with the Sun is NOT NECESSARILY Year cycle beforehand. 0 Aries. Every 71.6 Years, a new degree rises with the Sun at the Spring Equinoxes Equinox. Currently, the rising degree at the The Astrological Ages and the (Northern) Spring Equinox is 5 degrees The Constellation that is aligned Pisces. This moves gradually in a ‘back- with the Vernal Equinox (Spring in Three Zodiacs ward’ motion, from Aries, to Pisces. the North) represents the AGE we Eventually, it will move to 29 Aquarius. are in – Since Pisces is now aligned This is what determines the AGES in with the Vernal Equinox, we are in by Maurice Fernandez Astrology. As long as the degree rising on the Age of Pisces. March 20 Equinox is in Pisces, it means The opposite Equinox (22 we are in the AGE OF PISCES. When it September) is Spring in the South – will eventually move from Pisces to 29 and opens with the opposite sign of s the Earth Aquarius, this means we will firmly be the Virgo. This is why the AGE is actu- revolves around AGE OF AQUARIUS. ally an Axis – we are in the Pisces/ the Sun (Year) and (The motion of the Precession through the Virgo age. A zodiac is reversed, from Aries to Pisces, to rotates on its axis (day), This is strongly illustrated in our it also wobbles on its poles. Aquarius, and so on…) culture with Christ who emerged when This causes its North and South Pole and The Spring (Vernal) Equinox (March 20) the Pisces Age began (he is symbolized the Equators to vacillate like a spinning therefore drifts west through the 12 signs. by 2 Fish), and his mother the Virgin. coin – Therefore the direction of its poles It takes 25,800 years for the Vernal Equinox changes within a circle of 47 degrees (radius 23.5) – The whole wobbling cycle takes 25,800 years to complete. It is also referred to as the Great Year. It moves approximately 1 degree per 71.6 years (westward) > 360 degrees per 25,800 years As a result, the Poles change their ori- entation to different stars within the 47 degree circle. Currently, the North Pole is aligned with the star POLARIS (in the constellation of Ursa Minor) > this is why POLARIS is the current North Star (Polaris meaning “Guardian of the Pole”). The same principle applies to the South Pole, though there is no specific star cur- rently aligned with the Southern Pole.

The Career page 31 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine The Tropical Zodiac, which most Conclusions • There is a difference between the Western astrologers use, does NOT SIGNS of the Zodiac (30 degrees each) and the CONSTELLATIONS of take the Precession of the Equinox into • There are currently 24 degrees dif- the same name (uneven sizes). account. This means that for Western ference between the Tropical and Astrology, the (North) Spring Equinox Sidereal Zodiac. remains symbolically ALWAYS at 0 Aries. • Every 71.6 years, there will be an For more information about March 20 is always aligned with the Sun at additional degree gap between the Maurice Fernandez, visit: 0 Aries in this Zodiac. Tropical and Sidereal Zodiac starting mauricefernandez.com. point. R There are Three Zodiacs Used by Astrologers

SOLAR OR CONSTELLATIONAL ZODIAC Tropical Signs AND No Physical This Zodiac refers to the actual constella- tions through which the Sun goes through No Longer Underlying (a.k.a. the ecliptic), that are UNEVEN in their size (for example Cancer is only 21 Align with Mechanism degrees wide, while Virgo is 44 degrees) – in the skies, constellations are not Constellations evenly divided in 30 degrees and some There is no known underlying physi- cal mechanism to explain astrology of them overlap. The Zodiac begins with by Chris Brennan the Precession, so on March 20 the Sun is and account it for an actual phe- nomenon. roughly 6 Pisces. The tropical signs of the This Zodiac is the most loyal to zodiac that most west- ANSWER: The simple truth to this is Astronomical references. ern astrologers use are that astrologers don’t really know for no longer aligned with sure what the mechanism is underly- For example: the constellations that share ing how astrology works, or why there • The Sun in Aries: April 19 – May 13 the same names, and therefore the is a correlation between celestial and (25 days) zodiac signs that most westerners use earthly events, although that doesn’t • The Sun in Taurus: May 14 – June 19 are “wrong”. necessarily matter because it is not (37 days) required in order to be able to observe ANSWER: Part of the problem with this it working or use it as a sort of tool. SIDEREAL ZODIAC argument is that it assumes that western Gravity existed and people were using or tropical astrologers are not aware it in various ways prior to Newton work- This zodiac unifies the size of the Zodiac that they are using the tropical zodiac, ing out the laws of gravitation, and prior Constellation to 30 degrees equal each. and that it is just some sort of mistake to Einstein’s work on relativity. It is true However, it begins the Zodiac where the or oversight on our part, or at least that that there is currently no known phys- Precession is located, so the March 20 is how it is often portrayed. But in fact, ical mechanism that scientists know Equinox places the Sun at 5 Pisces, and astrologers in the west have been using of which could explain how astrology the Sun is at 0 Aries on April 14. From that the tropical zodiac as their primary refer- could be capable of working in the point on, every sign is evenly 30 degrees. ence system deliberately since at least as way that astrologers say that it does. far back as the 2nd century CE, starting However, there is a bit of a disconnect TROPICAL ZODIAC at the latest with the work of Claudius here because astrologers often concep- Ptolemy, who himself suggests that this tualize astrology as working through This zodiac also unified the Zodiac was the system used by other important some sort of a causal principle such as Constellations to 30 degrees equal each. early astrologers as well. synchronicity, and so objections that However, it does not take the Precession So, the important point to note here there is no known physical mechanism into account, and systematically begins is that those who use the tropical zodiac that could account for astrology or the Zodiac at 0 Aries on March 20. So are doing so deliberately and with full often based more on what skeptics the Cardinal degrees, 0 Aries, 0 Cancer, knowledge of the difference, under the assume astrologers think rather than 0 , and 0 Capricorn are aligned with premise that the qualities they are asso- how astrologers are actually conceptu- the days of the Equinoxes and Solstices: ciating with the zodiacal signs are actually alizing the subject. being derived from the framework that is • 0 Aries for March 20 Equinox centered around the equinoxes and sol- Find out more about Chris Brennan • 0 Cancer for June 21 Solstice stices, rather than the constellations and www.chrisbrennanastrologer.com • 0 Libra for Sept 22 Equinox fixed stars. • 0 Capricorn for Dec 21 Solstice R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 32 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

was through the invention of Tarot cards. Clearly Lilly, his devotees in the 21st cen- Herbal cures were frequently looked on as tury and indeed most astrologers, whether A Conspiracy satanic – the work of witches. The use and they follow Lilly or not, did and do not see acceptance of astrology and other esoteric astrology to be in conflict with Christianity of Disinformation skills was to vary considerably during the or any religion. Indeed, they do not see centuries between then and now. The arro- astrology as a belief system, but rather a gant religious divisiveness that haunts our way of understanding the ‘dictates of the (Excerpt from the societies to this day is a consequence of the heavens’. Indeed, Lilly goes to great pains to book: Astrology and intolerance of Constantine’s early Christian insist his students ‘admire thy Creator, and Compassion: The doctrinal decisions. be thankful unto him’. So, astrology’s relationship with estab- From the global explorations of the Convenient Truth lished Christian cultures was ambivalent. Renaissance, Galileo’s observations and - 2007) Much that survives today is as a result of what followed, the heliocentric nature of early Arabic scholarship. It became more the Solar System was discovered. After prominent during the second millennium several centuries of brutal religious conflict by Roy Gillett and was taught in universities until the and persecution, in the late 17th to 18th late 17th century. Astrological references centuries a new approach to knowledge A cynic is a person who abound in Shakespeare’s plays. Milton’s emerged. It was called the Enlightenment. Paradise Lost draws on its imagery to Towards the end of the 17th century, aca- knows the price of everything and describe the structure of the Lord God’s demia separated astronomy from astrology the value of nothing. - Oscar Wilde created universe and Satan’s descent from heaven. Systematic descriptions of human Western academic visited a Zen behaviour, health and personality, based on Tragically, in one of Master to discover his philosophy the apparent workings of the heavens, were the most infamous A of life and was offered a cup of tea. commonplace. Astrology was too useful When the cup was full, the Master contin- for the Church to reject outright, provided examples of ued to pour and spill, until the Westerner that astrologers did not seek to usurp the throwing out the intervened to say the cup was full. The position of God. In the introduction to his Master replied. ‘Like this cup, you are full of Christian Astrology, William Lilly, the eminent baby with the th your opinions and theories. How can I show 17 century astrologer, made this distinction bathwater in the you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’ clear with some elegance: Before we describe how it works and history of ideas, argue the case to claim a positive role for astrology was astrology in modern and future worlds, ‘To The Student In ASTROLOGY it is important to explain why it is on the My friend, whoever thou art, that with thrown out of the margins of society. Why there is little or no so much ease shalt receive the benefit academy as a serious information about it in contempo- of my hard studies, and doth intend to rary educational systems and the media? proceed in this heavenly knowledge of ‘failed science’. To understand, we must ‘clear the decks’ the stars, wherein the great and admi- of the misunderstanding, disinformation rable works of the invisible and alglo- and misrepresentation that do exist and rious God are so manifestly apparent. and ejected the latter from the ‘academy’. masquerade as ‘the facts’. When we do, In the first place, consider and admire It is an extreme irony that astrology, which the view commonly held by ‘respected thy Creator, and be thankful unto him, had been reluctantly tolerated by Christian opinion-leaders’, that ‘no intelligent person be thou humble, and let no natural churches for more than 1300 years, was can take it seriously’, is turned upside down. knowledge, how profound and tran- now rejected, because those Churches’ scendent soever it be, elate thy minde to world picture appeared to be discredited by How astrology was cast to neglect that divine Providence, by whose modern science! the sidelines of our society. all-seeing order and appointment, all Yet the experience of living on the earth As Christianity became the established things heavenly and earthly, have their had not changed. We still struggled to religion of the Roman Empire, the found- constant motion, but the more thy survive on the same planet and were sub- ing fathers narrowed contemporary knowledge is enlarged, the more do jected to the same geocentric forces as our esoteric wisdom, so what was left would thou magnifie the power and wisdom forefathers. The heavens still looked the establish the absolute divinity of their of Almighty God, and strive to preseve same however deeply our observations view of the Christian message for all time. thy self in his favour; being confident, penetrated what lay behind the appearanc- Reincarnation and a range of subtle, yet the more holy thou art; and more neer es. It was the Christian claim that behind powerful, skills became denigrated as to God, the purer Judgment thou shalt this observed universe was an all-powerful ‘occult’. These, together with many aspects give. Beware of pride and self-conceit, divine force that had created it in 4004 of Christianity that did not suit those in and remember how that long ago, no BC and guided it ever since that had been power, were outlawed to the ‘dark’ side- irrational Creature obey him, so long as called into question. There was no reason lines. It is often claimed that an important he was Master of his own Reason and to suppose that the astrological system way of preserving the cabalistic understand- Passions, or until he subjected his Will developed by thousands of years of obser- ing of the structure of our spiritual being to the unreasonable part.’ vation, before and after Christ, did not relate the cycles of the universe to human

The Career page 33 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine behaviour and natural phenomena correct- cents, and focus-group-driven politicians. of astrology have been banned, or severe- ly. Maybe a more sophisticated root cause Today, even the great 20th century liberal ly curtailed, by regulators. Such official and fine tuning of structures was needed, hope of pure science fades in importance. repression emanates from attitudes to be but the intrinsically observed relationships Modern material scientistic statistical found in a long tradition of Witchcraft Acts remained as valid as always. Indeed, relat- research is more like an industry that with that date back to the Middle Ages. In 1604, ing these inner understandings to the new sufficient funding can prove both sides of activities considered connected with witch- possibility of outer empirical observation anything. Then ingenious technology can craft became felonies under common law. was the great new hope for a fully compre- find ever more ways of imposing these No longer could offenders be burnt under hensive understanding of the universe. newly discovered ‘realities’ on our increas- church law. Instead they could be hanged Tragically, in one of the most infamous ingly exhausted natural environment. under civil law and their properties forfeited examples of throwing out the baby with the Without advocators and defenders on to the State – a lively living for a new breed bathwater in the history of ideas, astrology any side of the Arts versus Science versus of Witchfinders General. In 1735, a gentler was thrown out of the academy as a ‘failed religion academic divides, astrology sur- and more dismissive act was content to science’. That this happened is possibly vived unexplained in the intuitive hearts imprison, or fine, offenders as vagrants, or explained by a fatal intrinsic limitation at of ordinary people, who continued to con artists. The last prosecution was in 1944 the heart of material science from the very purchase almanacs through the 18th and and the Act was finally repealed in 1951. beginning – that it separated itself from art 19th centuries. Then, in the late 19th centu- However, the spirit of Witchcraft Act and the spirit, arguing they were illogical ry, interest developed in Eastern wisdom, prejudice continues in public institutions and so inferior facets of human nature. where astrology had always known its place to this day. In Britain until 2004, astrology Even today, many material scientists see and been respected. This encouraged a was specifically named as liable to give religion almost as an enemy. Such thinkers deep re-examination of what was left of ‘harm’ and ‘offence’ to the general public believe that, in time, statistical observation the Western esoteric traditions and the – on a par with extreme violence, sexual will build up sufficient bricks of ‘irrefutable rediscovery of astrology. Since then, the abuse and demonstrations of suicide. The truth’ to replace the soul with an entirely voluntary dedication of small groups of new Ofcom code continues to restrict a mechanical explanation of existence. To intelligent and highly motivated experts has group of ‘occult’ and ‘paranormal practic- achieve this, it is necessary to deny any made a start on regenerating and develop- es’ as likely to be harmful and offensive possible logical link between the spirit, mind ing the knowledge for the modern world. and certainly not to be shown ‘before the and emotions of humanity and its material Their task has been and is immensely watershed, or when large numbers of existence. Isolated beyond reason, the reli- difficult – rather like trying to teach the art children are likely to be watching’. If they gious beliefs that humanity hold on to so of reading and writing to a society where its claim the right to be listened to seriously desperately are merely childlike, primitive citizens for twelve generations over three in the media, regulation has demanded superstitions, left over from less enlight- hundred years have ‘never needed to know that astrologers are accompanied by one ened times. In time they will wither away, how’. Imagine also that those citizens have of astrology’s detractors. Furthermore, leaving only the ‘truly grown up’ view of been taught to consider writing as too prim- unlike astrologers, such detractors do find ‘pure sequential reason’ in a world of exis- itive to have any use in satisfying the ‘needs funding in the psychology and scientific tential emptiness. of the modern world’. For three hundred departments of state universities. So more So, with adolescent arrogance, reminis- years no proper education or research in money is spent preventing the serious cent of the perverse phraseology of Orwell’s astrology has been allowed in our univer- study of astrology than in undertaking it! Nineteen Eighty-four, the ‘Enlightenment’, sities and schools. Astrological schools that Astrological activity as ‘entertainment’ as it came to be known, rejected the wis- developed in the 20th century were private is more tolerated. When written or spo- dom of the ages, but left the ecclesiastical and difficult to find. ken in Sun Sign columns it is seen as establishment to rant and rave about sac- With the development of the mass media, ‘harmless fun’, even though such gener- rilege, hoping it would wither on the vine. and especially radio and television, serious alisations are meant to be just that, yet This left the new mechanistic approach attempts to explain and show the workings prone to be acted upon by vulnerable to become the ‘only true science’. Like a people. Serious astrology can only be pre- new fundamentalist religion, it went righ- sented in the media as on trial. Nearly all teously on its own way, sweeping away this coverage aims to cast doubt, or even the old and re-discovering the universe show astrology as ‘clearly not true’. In a from scratch. The work was sub-divided democratic society that rightly honours its into increasingly fragmented academic legislation against racial, religious and cul- departmental bureaucracies. The result tural prejudice, it is difficult to understand is not the hoped for ideal society of how government-appointed institutions Rousseau’s ‘noble savage’, or the genuine can believe it right to regulate against democracy visualised in Tom Paine’s Rights astrology in such a way. of Man and William Morris’ News from All these circumstances combine to Nowhere, but the confused and amoral make genuine knowledge about astrology materialistic world we live in today. The difficult to find. Yet its method and schol- fruits of three hundred years of mechanical arship is vast, varied and profound, still in scientism, as many see what we call science print and taught. today, are pollution, global warming, and short-sighted exploitation of resources, For more information about Roy Gillett: lowest-common-denominator marketing www.crucialastrotools.co.uk media, confused and over-indulged adoles- R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 34 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

meant we were both going to have our That said, they are still operating with People born babies on the same day,” said Mitchell. the same chart, but will develop differ- “We didn’t know, it wasn’t planned.” ent ways of using the chart: for example, at the same Mitchell gave birth to baby Kadin Gemini Sun twins may both have intellec- Zaakai and an hour later, White deliv- tual interests and strong mental faculties time and place, ered twins, Landon Elijah and London as Gemini purports, however, one twin Elise, via C-section. Dr. James Ferguson may be more scientifically inclined while with the same delivered all three babies. the other may have interest in literature The sisters’ delivery dates were origi- and perhaps write fiction. The chart chart, whether nally a month apart. Mitchell’s due date reflects natural tendencies, but there is was July 26 and White’s was on Aug. 16. a range of expressions under the same biological twins, influences. Hence, environmental factors can generate changes. We tend to think or astrological Another story of separated twins lead- that because twins have the same parents ing similar parallel lives: and are typically raised in the same envi- twins, should ronment, therefore, they should develop the same way; however, the opposite may have the same When their single mother killed her- be true, when exposure to the same con- self, twins Daphne Goodship and ditions is what prompts the pressure to personality Barbara Herbert, were adopted into distinguish themselves from each other. separate British homes. It wasn’t traits and life until they were 40 years old that they THE CONTEXT FACTOR: reunited and realized that their life The chart does not reveal what it rep- course. experiences were unbelievably simi- resents—we cannot know from the chart lar. They both left school at the same the person’s gender, religion, or even age, worked in the local government, what is born at the time. When Pauline by Maurice met their husbands at the same age, Einstein gave birth to baby Albert, we Fernandez miscarried the same month and even may speculate that perhaps a goat, or a gave birth to the same sexes (two spider was born at the same time in the boys and a girl). If that isn’t strange vicinity of the hospital. In other words, he answer to this argu- enough, they also both drink their we must understand the context of the ment is not straightforward. coffee cold, have heart murmurs and chart to know how it applies. The same The answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ T use the same brand of products. Even chart will work for the goat and for Albert Individuals born with the same chart – a their personalities are strikingly sim- Einstein, but the expression will be con- phenomenon that can only occur if they ilar. It really makes you wonder how textualized to their different reality. This are born the exact place and time – will, it’s possible that there are so many is why we need to get such information on the one hand, share many similar ten- coincidences in their lives (or if this is when analysing a chart and cannot read it dencies and parallel life circumstances. something beyond mere coincidence). accurately just by itself. We do hear about related stories, such as People born with the same chart may the twin sisters who both gave birth on be of a different the same day in 2012. On the other hand, it is not always so gender or have clear cut. Parents of twins will often different reflect on how different their Identical twin sisters, Shaakira twin children are in char- White and Zaakira Mitchell, gave acter. There are numerous birth just an hour apart on July 24 in factors to explain their dis- South Carolina. But that is not the big- tinctions: gest surprise. White, the oldest sister, gave birth THE to twins. PSYCHOLOGICAL Originally, Mitchell traveled from FACTOR: two siblings Rock Hill, S.C. to accompany her born at the same time sister to her doctor’s appointment will compete for resourc- at Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital in es and attention. Because Columbia. However, she had no clue they are constantly com- that both of them would be giving birth pared to each other and that day. must share everything, they “Around three, 3:30 she came back will naturally attempt to dis- and said ‘I’m 5 centimeters dilated.’ So tinguish themselves from their Dr. Ferguson was telling her that she twin and develop diverging interests. was going to be admitted today, so that

The Career page 35 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine cultural influences that will affect the way Dane Rudhyar first referred to the to access the chart potential, it is that same chart is expressed. concept of different consciousness levels essential to identify the person’s evo- in astrology in his book The Astrology of lutionary level of consciousness. The THE SOUL AND FREE-WILL FACTOR: Transformation, and Jeffrey Green further more conscious a person is, the deep- The chart does not reveal the level of developed this concept in his Pluto book. er he or she can go when addressing awareness or consciousness of the per- I have myself written extensively about the themes of the birth chart. son. People are born with different levels this topic in my book Astrology and the It is very important to realize that of consciousness and they will express Evolution of Consciousness—Volume One: the evolutionary level of conscious- their chart differently according to these ness is not described in a person’s differences—this is where Free-Will When analyzing a birth chart, chart in any way: it can only be comes in; our different levels of con- one of the most important things assessed when making contact with sciousness will determine how we choose to understand and consider is that the individual – the same way we can- to respond to the chart activation. We are the person’s evolutionary level of not know if the chart is for a male, a fated to our birth chart, but we have the consciousness greatly influences female, a person, an animal, or just free-will to express it in a more or less how the chart’s energy is used. A an event. The way to identify a per- conscious way. Even biological twins, who birth chart represents themes and son’s level of consciousness is through share the same chart, do not necessarily energies symbolically reflecting the assessing the nature of his or her val- share the same level of consciousness. individual’s entire reality, yet there is ues and choices in life. They can choose to react differently to no way to know from the chart alone the same challenge, and accordingly alter to what extent these energies and For more insights into the levels of con- the course of their individual lives. themes have been applied in actual sciousness, refer to listed literature. reality. For example, if we find an To summarize the above points, we Twins have the astrological signature that describes return to our initial conclusion: Twins will, unresolved anger, it is not possible on the one hand, share parallel circum- same chart, but do not to know in advance if the person stances sometimes to striking similarity, necessarily share the remains consumed by that anger and yet on the other hand, they can and has continual violent outbursts develop in completely different directions Same level of conscious- throughout his or her life, or if, with under the same chart umbrella. The sim- ness. They can choose higher awareness, he or she has even- ple reason for this is that some of the tually found ways to channel these chart influences are fated and will apply to react differently strong emotions in a healthier way. the same way for anyone sharing the to the same challenge, chart, while other influences are subject A chart describes evolutionary to free-will and context. and accordingly alter themes and the potential develop- the course of their ment associated with those themes, For more information about Maurice Fernandez, visit: mauricefernandez.com. individual lives. but in order to assess how far and in what manner a person is likely R

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OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 36 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

to strike down teachings of the church. “You shall not practice divination or Coincidently, Astrology’s assumptions of soothsaying.” (Leviticus 19:26) Religion’s treating the phenomena of nature as a sto- “When you enter the land that the LORD rybook for human experiences and basis your God is giving you, you shall not learn for making predictions for the future were to imitate the abhorrent practices of the Objections in the crossfire. He changed astronomy by nations. Let no one be found among you putting the Sun, not the Earth, into the cen- who...is an auger, a soothsayer, a diviner, to ter of our placement in the universe, where a sorcerer, one casts spells...For anyone it truly is. By doing so, he found himself at who does these things is abhorrent to the war with the church over their teachings. LORD...” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) Astrology Soon a war between Religion and Science Some rabbinic scholars interpret for the hearts and minds of the people was these commandments as forbidding and Some of the declared, and Astrology became a casualty Astrology, while others limit these mitz- in many ways. vot (commandments) to other forms of Answers too I can’t take a comprehensive survey of soothsaying, and thus view Astrology as religious objections to Astrology in time permissible. by Victoria F. Naumann Smoot for this article, but we can look back for “And Elohim said, Let there be lights in some definitive objections debated in the the raki’a of the heaven to divide the day early 1500s. In our “Western” civilization, from the night; and let them be for otot here are perhaps we can look to the Abrahamic Religions (signs), and for mo’adim (seasons), and no more pervasive for both their historical investments and for yamim (days), and shanim (years)” T and persistent participation into Astrology, along with the Genesis 1:14 objections to Astrology criticisms that have developed since the In the Hebrew Bible, from than those that come separation of astronomy from its prior, which the previous passage is from “people of faith.” older form now known as Astrology. taken, the prophets scoffed at «star- These devout practicing Many point out that the Roman church gazers» (hoverei ha-shamayim) in Isaiah religious people are as dismissive of today holds many works on Astrology 47:13 and Jeremiah 10:2. Astrologers Astrology as many scientists are. It seems in the Vatican’s library and still use elec- from Babylon were called Kasdim/ more than a little ironic when you consid- tional Astrology. Yet, “According to the Kasdin (Chaldeans) in the Book of er that Religion and Science oppose each Catechism of the Catholic Church, read- Daniel. In rabbinic literature, the other’s perspective so often. It seems sig- ing , along with practicing term Chaldeans later was often used as nificant that they would team up so easily Astrology, attempting to interpret omens, a synonym with those who practiced to condemn Astrology. Why is that? The and consulting mediums or psychics “all Astrology. answer comes from history. conceal a desire for power over time, From the view of practicing Christianity, The turning away from Astrology by history, and in the final analysis, other which I can comment on, we find that both Religion and Science comes from human beings.” They are in today’s teach- much of the objection to Astrology can be a tumultuous time of change – 500 ings considered violations of the First directly refers back to that time 500 years years ago -- exactly. We are, in fact, at Commandment because they “contradict ago referenced by Richard Tarnas. This th the 500 Anniversary of the Protestant the honor, respect, and loving fear we year, 2017, is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, on October 31, 1517 - 2017 – owe to God alone. Source: U.S.Catholic Reformation and comes from the event during a great time of change in so many Faith in Real Life, http://www.uscatholic. on October 31, 1517, when Dr. Martin things, including Astrology. In Europe, org/articles/201507/can-catholics-con- Luther posted on the door of the Castle Science called it The Renaissance; in sult-their-horoscopes-30212 Church of Wittenberg his 95 Theses, a list Religion it was The Reformation. Prophet Muhammad, like other mes- of ideas proposed for scholastic debate Richard Tarnas, in Cosmos and Psyche, sengers, denounced fortune telling as a about the abuse of practices of the says: Our present moment in history is most demonic practice although some Muslims, Church of Rome. comparable, astronomically, to the period especially the ones embracing Sufism, Pope Francis is scheduled to participate exactly five hundred years ago . . .: the era differentiate Astrology as being a scientific in a celebration of the Reformation 500th that brought forth the birth of the modern study unlike crystal balls or other means Anniversary in Sweden and honor Martin self during the decades surrounding the year of soothsayers. During the life of Prophet Luther with sainthood. In studying about

1500.” (Tarnas, p. 482) Muhammad, they asked him about his Luther during my Lutheran upbringing, I Though not called or thought of as a thoughts regarding fortunetellers. He found it noteworthy that he never consid- Religion, the primary belief system of our responded that even if it comes true, they ered himself to be anything but a faithful culture is Science. The works of Nicholas are still lying. Catholic, and it is likely that he would not Copernicus (1473 to 1543) ushered in the Views of Astrology from the Jewish tra- be pleased at all that there was to be a “Age of Science” persisting to this day. By dition are mixed and based on various church called Lutheran, after his name. publishing his evidence that Earth orbits scriptures, many shared by Christians. Most notably, his grievances targeted the Sun, Nicolaus Copernicus relegated Astrology is not specifically mentioned in the spiritual materialism that abused our planet’s status from center-of-the-uni- the Torah, but there are two command- people of faith by collecting funds (such verse to just another planet. In doing so, he ments, which have been used by some as the selling of indulgences to secure began the scientific revolution that began authorities as a basis to forbid the practice. loved ones who had passed a “reduced

The Career page 37 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine astrological charts are drawn up, and wondered why some could not all act how these charts are used and abused to evenly and consistently if they were all make predictions of disasters. born at the same time. How could it be An important distinction about critiqu- explained in a consistent application of ing Astrology was made by Dr. Robert the rules of Astrology to the different Hand interviewed by Chris Brennan in fates of twins like Jacob and Esau? the podcast “Reconciling Modern and Luther thought that the possibilities Traditional Astrology” on December for predictions, if they exist, must be 9, 2013. Dr. Hand says there are two quite limited. Using his own life, he aspects to consider no matter what kind could not reconcile that he had moved of Astrology you are discussing. One is from Mansfield in simple beginnings to about the tools and techniques you use. hold a baccalaureate degree, a masters Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) was a German pro- The other is about what you are doing degree, etc., whereas his father stayed in fessor of theology, composer, priest, monk and a with the chart. Mansfield to become a miner. He could seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation by his questioning of Catholic dogma and practice. So, Luther’s written objections to not see how that was in the stars. Astrology, some 500 years ago, are quite Theological reasons were critical for recognizable today. Perhaps you have Luther’s rejection of Astrology. heard these objections yourself. Luther He saw that Astrology was a limita- gave intellectual concerns about how tion of the omnipotence of God, and it Astrology was being used at that time, seemed an injustice to God’s creatures and we must reflect on how it is still being that the stars should be made for casting used today in ways that may not be very evil omens. It also seemed an injustice helpful. Here are some of his objections, to Luther to place something as weighty summarized and paraphrased: as the work of the Reformation on expla- Astrology does not deal in matter nations of Astrology when to him it was because it has no form or scientific prop- “the greater work of God.” He thought erties. It makes general pronouncements that Astrologers deprived people of tak- that could not readily be applied to indi- ing their own responsibility by placing it vidual. Mathematics and Astronomy have on the stars. Evil “tendencies” are to be rules and proof methods for demonstra- sought not outside, rather from within This year, 2017, is the 500th Anniversary of the tion, but Astrology did not have these and ourselves. He saw that Astrologers trivial- Reformation that comes from the event on is often found to be wrong, even more so ize and fail to take original sin seriously. October 31, 1517, when Dr. Martin Luther posted than medicine, which is sometimes sub- He said that the desire to sin does not on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg his 95 Theses. ject to error. stem from fate, but from original sin. The supposed clarity and aesthetically Luther, as a pastor, considered the pleasing graphic illustrations of Astrology opinion of astrologers that stars deter- reminded Luther too much of the manip- mined misfortunes was dangerous in time ticket” out of purgatory -- a practice ulative explanations of papal practices pastoral practice. In his words, “Only long ago ceased) for building up the trea- he had grown to despise. He found the when they are sent by God, can I bear sury of the church. This battle was long way that astrologers advance a complete suffering and hardships with patience.” To brewing by October of 1517, but it was induction of logic that was not accord- him, Astrology degraded people because Luther’s intensity of will and intent that ing to the sound methods that he had it made them dependent on a creature enabled him to survive, and become a sig- learned from the classical Greeks. (planet, orb). He said, “We are not subject nificant voice of change and influence that The Calendari or annual forecasts of to celestial phenomena, rather these mat- remains to this day among Christians. weather based on Astrology (like today’s ters in life belong to us; we are Christ’s, If we go back to those times, we can find almanacs) were seldom in agreement. and Christ is of God.” Luther feared God an interesting debate about Astrology -- and Further, he noticed that the inductions of alone, and therefore, he had no need to the merits and problems of validity. Luther Astrology were selected from reported fear the darkness of the future, of which debated often with his collaborator in the material when it was working, but left out he felt too many hoped that Astrology Reformation, Philip Melanchthon, who was of the events where it did not work. could at least somewhat illuminate with an avid astrologer and humanistic scholar He was uncertain about how the nativ- predictions, often proving false. teaching at the University of Wittenberg, ities, or natal charts, were determined. Source: Ludolphy, Ingetraut. “Luther and was also, like Luther, a priest. Luther challenged the idea that the hour und die Astrologie.” A lecture from Luther was inclined to respect Science, of birth held importance of stellar effect ‘Astrologi hallucinati’ Stars and the End but he was most influenced by reading for the child born, but not also to the of the World in Luther’s Time’. Walter de and interpreting the Holy Scriptures in fetus. Why would the influence be with- Gruyter. Berlin. New York. 1986. pp. 101- the Old and New Testaments. Luther’s held in one case, but not in the other? 107 (Thanks to Jennifer Lynn Zahrt or objections to Astrology are numerous He was puzzled how the constellation helping with the translation.) and represent powerful and persistent should play a role at all when a child is Philip Melanchthon was a defend- points that are common today in two born as what amounted to a tiny poppy er of Astrology. In his oration #14, on ways: about the reasons and ways that seed on a very small orb, the earth. He the dignity of Astrology in 1535, he never

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 38 Addressing Arguments Against Astrology

SMOOT by diligence and reason. For what Ptolemy says is true, namely, that the wise soul mentions Martin Luther’s name, yet he assists the labor of heaven, just as the best answers many of Luther’s criticisms. Here farmer, in ploughing and cleansing, assists are a number of his defenses translated nature. This is evident in the care for one’s from the Latin. health, in choosing a way of life or time “Just as the Greek orators said with of studies, and in understanding business great sagacity in the definition of art, that that is either fitting or unfit for one’s intel- art not only needs to be true knowledge, lect . . .. Thus, it is profitable to see where but they added also that it needs to be his nature leads a person, so that he may useful for life, so I shall show both that be moved to virtue by the appropriate the Science of heavenly influences is true discipline, and turned away from vice.” and that it brings great benefits for life. Making use of Astrology for improving the And I ask you in the beginning (and that quality of life by improving one’s own charac- would be most benevolent) not to confer ter. (Melanchthon, Philip. Oration #14: “The the errors of the masters to the art itself.” Dignity of Astrology” 1535.) This probably relates to the false prediction Source: Kusukawa, S. Ed. Philip in 1524 of a World-ending flood, based on Philip Melanchthon (1497 –1560), was a German Melanchthon Orations on Philosophy and professor of Greek, Humanistic scholar, collab- Astrology when 7 planets were in the last Education, Cambridge University Press, orator with Martin Luther, the first systemat- sign of Pisces in February. ic theologian of the Protestant Reformation, 1999. pp. 120 – 125 “Perhaps Astrology would not have to and a designer of educational systems in Liberal Melanchthon and almost all academ- be considered an art if it consisted only of Arts at Wittenberg University and for free schools ics and priests of the early 1500s were conjectures; but it is the art of things that teaching literacy to children and adults.. astrologers – that is something not wide- do not fail. Indeed, this art itself, like med- ly known by Christians or anyone else, for icine and politics, first consists of certain that matter. Biographical material provid- observations, and then many interpre- ed by the Lutheran Church about Philip tations proceed from these.” Implies and Therefore, Astrology shows some of the Melanchthon say he was an astronomer. refers to the widespread use of medical and stars’ meanings.” Using for Somewhere between then and now, the mundane Astrology. self-awareness and spiritual growth. church’s use and tolerance for Astrology “So this art is not to be spurned or the “Or is there perhaps any doubt that went mostly underground. Perhaps the reason that it does not foresee everything. the alternation of summer and winter most delicate problem was, however, the How often do we not err in Agriculture; is caused by the approaching and the breach with Science that effectively sepa- should the fields therefore not be tend- moving away o the sun, that the light of rated astronomy from Astrology. ed?” Challenging with a question an absolut- the sun heats and dries, while the moon Astrology’s “huge black eye” at the time ist attitude against forecasting of any kind. humidifies? If these things are evident in was a failed prediction of a world-ending “As for me, it is not only the usefulness these two brightest stars, why should we flood in February of 1524. The flood never of these arts that delights me (which I also believe that the others are made without happened, but hundreds were trampled observe in healing and in other things), purpose?” Physics of the universe must be to death in a panic in Germany when on but much more the fact that when I con- more extensive than only what is obvious. the predicted day it started to sprinkle. template the marvelous agreement of the “And the great man in the Holy Within a year the flood of suffering peas- heavenly bodies with those below, that Scriptures (Jeremiah 10:2) teaches to ants in the whole central Europe region very order and harmony remind me that what extent they are to be feared, and began a deadly Peasant’s War that had the world is not driven by chance, but what great store is altogether to be set been long brewing. Understandably, guided by divine providence.” Asserting his by heavenly signs, so that the mind be Luther was horrified by this, and yet, also own unfailing faith in God commanding all not deceived by impious confidence or blamed for it all at the same time. The providence and all nature in the universe in despair. Just as in agriculture or in nav- people’s faith in the feudal system and Divine Order. igation it is not irreligious to follow the the authoritative church that sanctioned “In the beginning, we need to establish forecast of weather, so it is pious and it was dissolving into a flood of protest, something like a definition of Astrology, profitable in the administrations of things and he was like a whistle blower – both in order to distinguish it from the super- to consider the natural signs which God a champion prophet and demon with a stitious divinations of which Ptolemy has set up in order to make us more price on his head. (admonished) in [Tetrabiblos III] that no watchful and to sharpen our attention.” The printing of thousands of pam- cause can be assigned in them. Astrology In Melanchthon’s view, it was not heathen phlets promoted the Flood Prediction is part of natural philosophy, which teach- to do Astrology; but it was heathen to be like wild fire, they were the Internet es what effects the light of the stars has made afraid of it as part of God’s creation. of its time. After the date passed, the on the elements and on mixed bodies, Astrology is not the sin; despair and the ped- religious teachers of the day joined in and which temperaments, alterations, or dling of despair is harmful, and thus, sinful. with the condemnation of Astrology and inclinations it contrives. And since mor- “But let us look at individual morals. many abandoned their practice of it. als, studies, decisions and vicissitudes If someone understands the tendencies No doubt they were also influenced by often re-echo inclinations, ‘each follows of his nature, he is able to nourish and Luther’s written objections, and perhaps the element of his nature’, it is said. strengthen what is good, and to avoid vices also by Copernicus heliocentric findings

The Career page 39 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine that called Astronomy into question. But reflected upon, if they are accommodated also did. Luther was against what he even here, Melanchthon’s supportive to life skillfully and carefully, many things saw as the faults in the way Astrology response is unfaltering. While admitting can be effectively judged.” was set up and used, just as he was ‘Omnia divinitus gubernari’ (everything is Science, as a technique, continually against the abuses in the practices of divinely governed), he retains that God reveals and seeks to explain how things the church – a church he was faithful to ‘non tollit natural actiones et significations work in nature and in life, that even if and wished to see reformed after he had rerum’ (Does not take away the natural we do not yet understand them, they do read these liberating words in Romans actions and meaning of things.)” Indeed, work. Religion, as a dogmatic approach 1:17, “The just shall live by faith.” That no English class in school today would to thinking, seeks to provide the expla- Melanchthon’s writings on Liberal Arts exist without delving into the meaning of nation that physical evidence cannot including Philosophy and Astrology were the circumstances and phenomena of life provide. Yet Religion cannot show how used and later studied by followers long as told in the masterpieces of literature. it works, but presumes to interpret and after his death in the 1600s is a tribute It takes both human nature and higher judge it, by scripture (perhaps rightfully) to his defense of the responsible practice thinking skill to see analogies and meta- when malpractice or fear producing pre- of Astrology. And those studies of his phors in these things, and to nurture the dictions cause harm. In this way, Luther writings gave rise to a body of thought quest for meaning in life. was a worthy critic. He and Melanchthon and application that came to be known Melanchthon was honored to write the as scholars assumed their right to com- as “psychology.” To this approach and preface to Three Books on Judgments of ment on and debate the shortcomings of Astrology’s connection promoted by Carl Nativities by mathematician and leading Astrology as well as its potentials. Jung we owe much for the resurgence of German astrologer, Johannes Schöener, Following the lead of Copernicus, sci- Astrology in our time as a serious art and (1477-1547). Schöener had been his entific findings increasingly investigated Science in itself to help explain and give teacher of Astrology. Dr. Robert Hand, in and explained how things work, Religion’s counsel to the human experience with his translator’s introduction to Schöener’s power to dictate and determine how respect and compassion. masterpiece, writes of this preface: people should see and interpret nature, Religion is not God. It can lead us back Melanchthon investigated many subjects to God if it truly follows its definition that would be considered “occult” today and and purpose. Astrology is not a Religion; defended Astrology on Christian grounds. it is a cultural language used in many Since he was a learned humanist as well That Christianity ways that Religions may feel challenged, as a theologian, what he has to say on should be against but it is not an either-or situation. That the subject of Astrology and Christianity Christianity should be against Astrology, is historically very significant. All of those Astrology, the very the very teaching of ~ As above, So whose opposition to Astrology is based on teaching of ~ below ~ rather goes against the Faith Christian principles would do well to read expressed in the Lord’s own Prayer Melanchthon’s preface. As above, So below given to His closest friends. As an educator, Philip Melanchthon was ~ rather goes against well aware of objections to Astrology. He was mocked by Luther who saw Astrology the Faith expressed in Our Father as Phillip’s distraction, as drinking beer the Lord’s own Prayer Who art in Heaven, was for him, but Philip saw in it the light Hallowed be Thy Name. as knowledge along with faith in God’s given to His Thy Kingdom come; will to lead one’s life. He saw the art of closest friends. Thy Will be done . . . Astrology, and its study incorporated with astronomy, as highly useful for that. As he On Earth, as it is in Heaven. wrote in his preface to Johann Schöener’s book, On the Judgments of Nativities, and life, was increasingly challenged and “For God wishes that there be some found wanting, and even ridiculous; yet, light left in the minds of men, the knowl- so often and still, Religion persists in its Victoria F. Naumann Smoot has stud- edge of numbers, figures, of the laws of objections to Astrology. With the over- ied and practiced astrology since the nature, and the knowledge of much that reaching objections, the metaphorically early 1970s. She began teaching “Keys is natural. Even though the weakness of supported language of acceptance that to Astrology” in the ‘80s at the WRAC conferences in Cleveland. Victoria’s inter- the human mind is great, and the decep- nature in the cosmos could correspond to ests include consulting for life path and tion is easy, and many are the errors, yet life on earth, broke down and almost lost purpose, research, history, archetypes this knowledge, which has been divinely its mooring. and symbolism, particularly of ancient shown, must be rejected. And if they are It seems important to consider that Egypt. She is an adjunct faculty member rightly considered, great is the dignity of these persistent objections to Astrology of The Cleveland Institute of Art. She is few other kinds of knowledge, as artists were expressed in a time when Classical the editor-in-chief of the ISAR’s journal, (craftsmen) who are skilled in the individu- Astrology, based on its Arabic and The International Astrologer, an ISAR.CAP al arts see with great admiration for divine Hellenistic forms, was practiced within a and a certified professional with OPA. You wisdom. I thus confess that the demon- culture not yet subject to the workings may contact her at [email protected], or strations of the effects of the stars few, of Science, but borrowed heavily from message her personally on her Facebook under: Victoria Naumann Smoot. but yet from these very effects, if they are the teachings of the Greeks, as Religion R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 40 Taurus) and in exact trine to Pluto in Capricorn. The merging of these two female energies creates a need to Transits establish emotional security through pos- n June 21st the Sun enters the sessions and material resources and the of the Season sign of Cancer marking the begin- desire to evaluate beauty and love. The O ning of the summer season in the changing process in this earthy fixed sign By ANGELA TIKI Northern hemisphere. For thousands of is slow but steady, holding the ability to years and in every culture, people hon- establish solid foundations for what one ored the Sun in this glorious moment, has worked hard for. This is where the the heyday of the day over the night. In spiritual desire is born and the Taurine the physical world, the seeds have now Mother of form carries the task. However, matured; as a symbolic stage of the spir- the more we seek inner satisfaction solely itual journey, the Summer Solstice is the in the physical reality of the outer world, depiction of the evolving soul towards the more attached we become to the apotheosis. lower self, causing dissatisfaction and The reverence of the solar deity is one disharmony. Through the trine to Pluto, of the natural and archetypal forms of the we find the opportunity to re-examine our internal expression and the human meta- values, banish the fear of loss, and use physical perception. In the physical world, the power of transformation to transcend the Sun is the ultimate source of life, our primal feelings. As the days are now whereas the radiated rays were identified decreasing, we have to keep the solar with the Light of Truth, the divine breath flame burning and free ourselves from THEMES OF THE SEASON within every living being. Erebus – the personification of darkness. In Esoteric Astrology, the sign of Cancer Mercury is in the last degrees of JUNE 21 to SEPTEMBER 22 holds the Gate to human incarnation, Gemini soon to meet the Sun and form through which the soul willingly embod- a superior conjunction at 00o23. We • June 21 – Summer Solstice ies in the form of matter, taking on the are now in the process of gathering infor- • June 21 – Mercury enters Cancer  mission to learn the lessons needed, to mation and evaluating past experiences • June 21 – Sun ! Mercury superior conjunc- mature and transform the self in the ser- through slow and careful thought. tion at 00o23’ vice of the universal good. The exact trine of Uranus in Aries with • June 24 – New Moon at 02o 47’ In the chart of 2017 Summer Solstice, the North Node in Leo and sextile to • July 5 – Venus enters Gemini  the Moon (ruler of Cancer) is placed South Node in Aquarius at 27 degrees • July 6 – Mercury enters Leo  in Taurus (the sign of its exaltation) connects consciousness to the higher • July 9 – Full Moon at 17o09’ of / in conjunction with Venus (ruler of dimensions, motivating us to bring down • July 20 – Mars enters Leo  • July 22 – Sun enters Leo  • July 23 – New Moon at 00o 44’ • July 26 – Mercury enters Virgo  • July 27 – Sun/Mars synodic cycle at 04o 12’ • July 31 – Venus enters Cancer  • August 3 – Uranus retrogrades at 28o32’ • August 4 – Jupiter # Pluto (Rx) at 17o31’ / • August 7 – Lunar Eclipse (Umbral) at 15o25’ / • August 13 – Mercury retrogrades at 11o38’ • August 21 – Total Solar Eclipse at 28o53’ • August 22 – Sun enters Virgo  • August 25 – Saturn stations direct at 21o11’ • August 26 – Venus enters Leo  • August 26 – Sun/Mercury inferior conjunc- tion at 04o48’ • August 31 – Mercury retrograde returns in Leo  • September 5 – Mars enters Virgo  • September 5 – Mercury stations direct at 28o25’ • September 6 – Full Moon at 13o53’ L/ • September 10 – Mercury enters Virgo  • September 20 – New Moon at 27o27’

The Career page 41 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Probably in this period matters regarding Sagittarius on August 22nd at 21o11’ our past, family or our homeland may be degrees helps us discipline our actions, In Esoteric our main concern and require change. create concrete plans and set the course Things may come to a point where we can to accomplish long term targets. On Astrology, the sign no longer tolerate the establishments of September 2nd Uranus in Aries trines of Cancer holds the our lives and we are willing to rebirth and Mars at 28o10’ degree, bringing new mature psychically. This requires a lot of opportunities to reform or change the Gate to human determination and strength of character field of activity if necessary. Originality incarnation, through to cope with possible challenges. On the is the key to success. Attune with your which the soul other hand, since Capricorn is linked with heart and your inner wishes and dare to authority, there might be tension in inter- make changes. There’s an abundance of willingly national relations or troubling political creative drive gifted with inspiration, a embodies in the events. spirit of independence and openness to the future. This fiery energy might bring form of matter, MARS IN LEO – July 20 to the urge to break free from everything so taking on the September 5 be cautious not to take venturesome risks Fiery, passionate, proud, strong, asser- and try to balance each case separately. mission to learn the tive, dramatic, domineering, outgoing; this lessons needed, to is the personality of Mars in the sign of Sun-Mars synodic cycle o mature and Leo. From a hypotonic and inward-looking at 04 10’ – July 27 period, we now welcome in a period of Conjunction transform the self in creativity and dynamism. Mars feels more On July 27th the two most intense the service of the stimulated in this placement, but often activating forces - Sun and Mars, meet roars like a lion if things are not working at 04o 10’ marking the beginning of a universal good. as wished or if his pride is threatened. new cycle portraying the area and the The solar energy multiplies the urge to way we can be fully confident and deter- act from the heart and adds enthusiasm, mined to express our desires and views creative ideas which correspond to our purpose, and generosity. It is time to man- and eventually accomplish our goals and uniqueness and our self-expression. ifest our goals, and we can find courage, ambitions. This is the point where we can There’s anticipation to make changes that persistence and stamina under these derive the motivation and initiative to will liberate us from past attitudes and influences. willingly take action and thus be in charge conditions – both on the personal and Once we recognize the positive traits of our lives. This powerful concentration universal level. A window opens to new of Mars in Leo, the trine to Saturn in awareness, making us realize that adopt- ing ideas and behaviors only to live up to the expectations of society do not serve our happiness; it just limits our potential. The above described scenario is valid for the New Moon that follows two days later on June 23rd at 02o 47’. Mars at 13 degrees Cancer trine to Neptune adds a spiritual purpose, however, doubts may arise about the course of our actions. The square of Mars to Jupiter in Libra elevates the levels of energy, creating an impulsive urge to act urgently. If not used constructively, we might end up caught up in arguments and physically or emotion- ally drained. Emotional expression may get out of hand and feelings of anger may strain our relationships. This is especially true since Mars eventually will oppose Pluto (18 degrees Cancer/Capricorn on July 2) intensifying physical and mental persistence. Full Moon at 17o09’ of / - July 9 Sun/Mars in Cancer and Moon/Pluto in Capricorn weigh their forces in the Full Moon of July 9th at 17o09’ of /, while Jupiter in Libra revs up the configuration. There’s a lot happening under the sur- face, like a boiling volcano ready to erupt.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 42 Transits of the Season

of energy can work constructively once our intentions are not to dominate over others but rather to unfold the original aspects of our self and flourish through the materialization of creative projects and inspiring ideas. On the negative side, inasmuch as we stay unaware of the Sun-Mars useful properties, then aggres- sion, irritation, violence and impatience may take over and potentially lead to destructive consequences. It would be helpful to release the built up tension with physical activity or inventive and productive pursuits, necessary compo- nents for an exciting, joyful and happy wellbeing. Check the house placement of your natal chart where the synodic cycle occurs and this is the area you need to put your heart into and constructively direct your energy in order to achieve the maximum of its potential – until the next conjunction in September 2019. New Moon of July 23rd at 00o 44’ The New Moon in Leo gives an extra boost to vitality and quick action. The Sun/Moon/Mars conjunction carries enormous amounts of energy and the will to execute our goals, do the things be inevitable but everything happens to expression with a higher universal truth. that please us, to enjoy, have fun and create a new environment that can better This is the time to become the masters shine. Mercury in Leo in trine to Uranus serve us. With the Moon in Aquarius, we of our destiny, the benevolent King of brings brilliant ideas and mental alert- need to reflect and be more emotionally our kingdom. Sun and Leo are connected ness. Be aware of this abundance of fire detached, however, without being indif- with the heart; whatever emerges from which can result in an overly compet- ferent to other people’s feelings. the heart is a direct connection with the itive and antagonistic stance and self- The exact trine from Jupiter in Libra to divine. Before we enter in the temple of ish behavior. This intensity can induce the Aquarius Moon and the sextile to the Apollo, he encourages to Know the Self break-ups in personal relationships, as a Leo Sun at 15o degrees gives the oppor- for who we really are and not who we Venus-Saturn opposition occurs simulta- tunity for personal growth and allows think we are. neously. Relationships that lack a strong love to be the driving force. This is a time Identify where the eclipse occurs in foundation can be challenged. when we can unite our personal goals your natal chart and see which areas can with others, or to serve others. be activated by this immense creative LUNAR ECLIPSE (UMBRAL) influence. o   SOLAR ECLIPSE (TOTAL) 15 25’ of / o August is the pivotal month of the sea- 28 53’ of  MERCURY RETROGRADE son because of the two eclipses occurring A powerful Solar Eclipse climaxes on CYCLE during this period. The first one is on August 21st at 28o53’ Leo, in proximity to Mercury retrograde cycle from August 7th, a Lunar eclipse at 15o25’ the Royal Star Regulus (now at 0 Virgo) in August 13th to September 5th, (from degree of / axis, which happens to an exact trine to Uranus in Aries. This is 11o38’ Virgo to 28o25’ of Leo). We have be the midpoint of the summer season a strong cosmic signal that prompts the unconsciously accumulated a lot of (00o Cancer + 00o Libra ÷ 2). Halfway change of our course and our identity. information that needs to be processed through the lunation cycle, we are com- Who are we? The most significant and and classified since the last Mercury ing across the first harvest, a review of meaningful expression of our purpose retrograde cycle. Virgo is the sign of what we have done and to see how far comes when our spirit is aware of its productivity and efficiency. Mercury we have strayed from our path and why. true identity. Spiritual Leo-Sun spreads rules Virgo, and in this placement the Mars is once again close to the Sun giving its influence through Aquarius-Uranus. mind needs to rationalize and categorize the courage to persist but now with fore- In order for this combination to work everything, so there is a greater focus on thought. In order to change and grow, a positively, humans have to rise above earthy and practical matters. This is the destabilization of current conditions might their self-centeredness and attune their time to step back and question what is

The Career page 43 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the satisfaction we get from our work, our outer world. In a negative manifestation, surroundings, our daily routine and how we might identify with subjective ideas or useful are our habits? Setbacks, delays and rationalize our egocentric motives. Uranus misunderstandings are nothing more than in Aries forms an exact trine to the con- the external factors which motivate us to junction setting the right circumstances re-think, re-evaluate and re-organize our for awareness and inner motivation to Receive guidance decisions, our plans and our goals. Are look to the future. It adds sharpness to we on the right track? Are there any miss- the mind, creative focus, radical ideas and from more than ing skills we need to acquire? Do we get the courage to dare. stuck in the details or – on the contrary This scenario carries the message for 20 Astrologers - we don’t pay enough attention to them? the Full Moon of September 6th, at During this phase, we’re given the chance 13o53’ in Virgo/Pisces axis. Mercury about the ways to to exercise constructive self-criticism, to in Leo and Sun in Virgo are in mutual discern the strengths and weaknesses in reception and are in direct dialog with build YOUR future our way of thinking, to set priorities and each other. Mars is now transiting Virgo, unburden ourselves from any negative bringing the news to the practical down- as an Astrologer. patterns in an attempt to purge both our to-earth sign, ready to execute any plan body and spirit. Cleansing and purifying and decision made. Neptune’s exact The Professional leads to healthy and long-term well-being. involvement with the Full Moon can be Having separated the wheat from the a source of inspiration and the connecting Astrologer is an chaff, Mercury returns to Leo and we channel to the divine. The soul opens and move towards the final stage: find inter- the mind has to be ready to welcome and essential volume for nal inspiration and get activated. The receive. Any attempt to deny the Truth conjunction of Mercury rx in stationed can only lead to misconception, disillu- every student and motion with Mars on September 3rd at sionment, or lack of direction. Pluto in 28o43’ Leo unites the mental energy with trine to the Sun and sextile to the Moon practitioner. gives regenerating power to those willing to sacrifice the old dated establishments for the sake of new and useful ones. Mercury rules Virgo, and in this MARS IN VIRGO - September 5 to October 22 placement the mind As Mars makes his entrance in needs to rationalize the earthy mutable sign of Virgo on September 5th, we are driven by the need and categorize to focus on more practical and tangible everything, so there matters. Working conditions, daily routine is a greater focus on and health become a priority while at the same time we feel the urge to give our earthy and practical services, be useful and productive. During matters. This is the this period, we’re making the best efforts to work hard and realize our plans and time to step back goals. Virgo is ruled by Mercury so we are and question what mentally activated, trying to reason our actions and organize our lives. Mars in is the satisfaction Virgo is detail oriented so this is the best we get from time to put together the missing pieces but must be careful not to over-indulge our work, our in tasks that may reveal themselves surroundings, our as meaningless and a waste of ener- gy. Set your priorities and try not to be daily routine and demanding to others, as this might lead how useful are to arguments and disputes which will dis- The Professional our habits? turb the order. A well-intentioned criticism Astrologer is is always constructive but when being too judgmental we jeopardize the harmony in available in Paperback both personal and work relationships. the willpower of the solar heart. This is and E-Book: a very important point as this is the Amazon.com and exact degree where the Total Solar Learn more about Angela Tiki at: Eclipse occurred two weeks earlier. As angelascornergr.blogspot.com OPAastrology.org long as we have clarified what we need and want and which beliefs embody us, R we are now ready to go after them in the

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 44 his patronage the priestess, Pythoness, held her special place at the sanctuary, ingesting laurel leaves and breathing the gases rising from the earth, bringing her to speak in prophetic tongues. Seeking self-knowledge, people high and low, from near and far, came to ask questions of the world famous Oracle. There are two messages inscribed at Delphi’s temple gates, “Know Thyself” and “Nothing in Excess”. The first message is related to the Sun in astrology - it rep- resents the authentic self of an individual. Being the giver of light and life, the Sun symbolizes our unique sense of identity and purpose. “Nothing in Excess” speaks to the balance Apollo brings as the recon- ciler of opposites. In the myth of Phaethon, the story of the illegitimate “son of the Sun”, Phaethon travels to the eastern horizon to meet his father, Helios. He asked permission to Helios was a Titan, whereas Apollo was an ride the chariot himself, and was strong- Archetypal Olympian. ly discouraged by his father. Willfully, Apollo, son of Zeus, was god of the Sun. the boy embarked on the sun’s chariot. He was born on the Island of Delos with Unfortunately, Phaethon wasn’t strong Myths of his twin sister, Artemis, goddess of the enough to control the horses and he Moon. The two lions that guard his shrine came too close to the Earth, burning her. the Sun there are emblematic of the sign of Leo. This infuriated Zeus (Jupiter) who threw Apollo was gifted musically and is often a thunderbolt and killed Phatheon. The pictured with his lyre. The messenger god lesson learned is that will, desire, and and Leo Hermes (Mercury) created the lyre just arrogance stand in contrast to knowledge, for Apollo, not just to express the intense by wisdom, and the cycles of the universe. Alexandra Karacostas sun-derived life force vibration that is Leo, The famous myth of Icarus provides but also to be the performer that is Leo. strology and a similar message. Son of the craftsman, Apollo was prophetic, excellent in math- the language Daedalus, they were both imprisoned by ematics and reason, and connected to of myth have King Minos in the labyrinth on Crete that A medicine and healing. In fact, he was the Daedalus himself had constructed. To long existed hand father of Asclepius, who became one of in hand. Across the escape, Daedalus, used wax and feathers the most respected and famous healers of globe, colored by many to make two sets of wings, for himself and ancient times. cultures, the rich tap- his son, Icarus. He warned Icarus that if he Apollo wandered far and wide in search estry of myths about of his true home and identity. Arriving the various gods, goddesses, deities and in Delphi, he was confronted by the creatures in the cosmos provide the giant serpent, Python. Apollo victorious- archetypes that we use in astrology. Their ly fought the python, declaring himself stories connect us to the workings of the patron of Delphi, erecting his altar, and inner and outer worlds. marking Delphi as new center of the This discussion explores the Sun and ancient world, succeeding Delos. Under its relationship to Leo, the sign it rules. Though there are many traditions and names for the Sun, we’ll borrow from the ancient Greeks by way of example. The earliest solar deity in Greece was the Titan Helios, ruler of Sun and Light, who drove the chariot of the Sun across the sky each day. Helios was said to be striking, crowned with the shining aure- ole of the Sun. He drove a golden chariot drawn by stallions, circling the earth, marking the arc of awakened experience, symbolized by the light of the day. As time passed, Helios became iden- tified with the god of light, otherwise known as Apollo. However, they were also often viewed as two distinct gods. Helios (l) | Apollo - After Leochares [CC BY 2.5]

The Career page 45 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine flew too close to the Sun his wings would adventures including his Twelve Labours. ing brightly as we travel on our paths. melt. But in his enthusiasm, Icarus trav- But his excessive solar influence led him The Sun is our vitality, life force, and eled too close to the Sun and crashed into to some unfruitful personal relations. Too heart; it asks us to be fully present. By the sea. While the Sun provides light and much solar influence may result in a per- tapping into our heart we become closer life, appropriate distance must be main- sonality overly self-absorbed to be avail- to our divine self and destiny. In a joyful tained. These stories demonstrate what able to partnership. and loving way, Leo’s creative energy happens when we disrespect the power of The Sun rules Leo, the sign of the lion. helps us develop self-consciousness and the Sun, and use our will and knowledge The lion is the king of animals, regal and awareness. With the full potential of zealously or without restriction. The Sun’s powerful. It is a masculine archetype, Leo realized, we stand on stage, at the light can blind us. one that poet Robert Bly refers to as the center of self and community, with both Though Apollo was the most handsome inner-king that is in us all. Leo rules our strength and humility, radiating light and accomplished of the gods, he was heart center, but it is not the Self. Leo without casting shadows! not good at relationships. A powerful qualities describe the Sun as mythic hero, solar ego is not necessarily conducive to wherever it falls in the horoscope. Our Alexandra Karacostas is a professional healthy relations, as characterized by the inner journey is that of mythic hero, or astrologer based in northern California. Sun’s “fall” in Libra. Apollo fell in love with as Joseph Campbell coined it, the “hero’s She has been a student of astrology since the nymph Daphne, but when she reject- journey”, the journey of self-actualiza- 1975, teaches, lectures locally and abroad and serves an international clientele. ed him, he turned her in to a laurel, his tion. Avoiding the traps of excess and Alexandra currently serves on the board sacred tree. Exemplifying the solar mascu- arrogance, we endeavor to align with our of OPA, the Organization for Professional line principle, Hercules also experienced higher and evolved self, to become the Astrology, and is a columnist for The failed relationships throughout his life. A king of our jungle. Mountain Astrologer magazine. www. multifaceted figure, he was also the son Leo’s energy and the Sun’s light want WisdomAstrology.com of Zeus, and memorialized for his many us to discover our unique purpose, shin- R

“Today we distinguish “celestial objects” sified to his status as a planet. This does from planetary bodies – not to mention the not change the purpose of this book. It Book Review differences between asteroids in general and holds its value as the history of the event By Arlan Wise Trans-Neptunians, Kuiper Belt Objects or and will be of use to astrologers in the even Centaurs “ future who wonder how such a thing hap- The book ponders how we, as astrol- pened and why Pluto was seen as a dwarf ogers, deal with these new discoveries. planet between 2006 and 2017. A COSMIC Patricia Garner suggests that “we need to This book makes us think about the call a moratorium on populating astrolog- astrology that we take for granted and DIALOGUE ical charts with every latest celestial body”. opens questions as to how to use the Reassessing Methods Her message, and the new discoveries. It theme of this book, is well documented for Understanding is “we need to look with footnotes. My before we name”. There only suggestion is New Planets. is a chapter on the that I would have importance of naming, preferred to have BY PATRICIA GARNER stating that names the many charts she create reality and that discusses printed, so once perceptions are that we could see the hy are the planets named as they set it is hard to change chart as we read her are? Who decides the name for them. She describes delineations. a planet, especially for the newly W in detail the interest- Patricia gives us a discovered objects? What has been the ing processes of how good summary of the result of astronomers deciding that Pluto Uranus and Neptune work done by some is no longer to be designated as a planet? received their names. master astrologers These are the questions that form the Pluto has his own such as Rob Hand, basis of this book. chapter and in it she Nicholas Campion, Ancient astrology was based on obser- suggests that the and Bernadette Brady. vation of the night sky. We no longer do reclassification of We are introduced this. Astronomers discover a new object Pluto as a dwarf plan- to their work so that in the sky, name it, and then we astrolo- et is indicative of an we become familiar gers accept the name, the myth, and the astrological paradigm with it even if we have archetype of that name without the years shift. She analyses the never read it. She of observation that the “older’ planets chart of the official quotes and credits have. The new names have not yet stood announcement of many other astrolo- the test of time. There is also the fact that Pluto’s demotion. She introduces the idea gers. It is a great read for the thinking astronomers are discovering belts and of “post-Pluto” and how it affects us as person who loves new ideas to chew on. zones of planet-like objects. astrologers. Pluto has now been reclas- This is a good book. R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 46 OPA The Organization for Professional Astrology Presents Retreat 2 0 17

ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH, OCTOBER 19 – 23, 2017 The Art of Living and Dying An Astrology Event

Do Not Miss TRACKS (small group learning) • Roy Gillett – Astro Cycles in Personal Lives + Mundane Forecasting - NEW! This Event! • Kay Taylor – The Healing Power of Astrosynthesis - Sold Out Deep immersion • Arlan Wise – Writing Workshop for Astrologers learning, 10 people per • Anne Ortelee – Astrology Fundamentals - Sold Out track, community • Öner DÖŞER – Traditional Predictive Techniques - Firdaria, Profections, Solar Returns with a view! • Donna Young – Hand Drawing the Astrology Chart • Chris McRae – Horary in Three Parts • Maurice Fernandez – Relationships and Sexuality in the Chart - Sold Out • Monica Dimino – The Game Changers in the Chart Majestic • Sandra Leigh Serio – Astrology and Spiritual Evolution - Sold Out • Susan Falk - Peer Group Work – (max 4 people) - Sold Out Location • Alexandra Karacostas – Peer Group Work – (max 4 people) - Sold Out • Richard Smoot – Peer Group Work – (max 4 people) - Sold Out Special Zion Special Feature: ASTRONOMY FOR ASTROLOGERS Park Tour

2 0 17 Faculty

R. Gillett A. Ortelee K. Taylor O. Doser A. Karacostas R. Smoot S. Falk

A. Wise C. McRae M Dimino M. Fernandez D. Young S.L. Serio

Register now at a Special Discounted Price! - $380

The Career page 47 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Thurs.-Sat., Oct 19-21 Sunday, Oct 22 (DAYS 1-3) (DAY 4) THE ART OF LIVING AND DYING ASTRONOMY • Living Like We’re Dying (KAY TAYLOR) FOR ASTROLOGERS • Living your Life to the Fullest (SANDRA LEIGH SERIO) • Beyond Astronomy: Understanding • Answering the Tough Questions the Mechanism of Astrology About Death, Illness, Decline (MAURICE FERNANDEZ) (ANNE ORTELEE) • Astronomy for Astrologers: • Identifying Reincarnation Common Terms in the Chart (ANNE ORTELEE) (MAURICE FERNANDEZ) • Heliocentric Perspective • The Astrology of and Mundane Astrology Past Life Regression (ONER DOSER) (ARLAN WISE) • What's Your Azimuth? NEW! • Using the Death Chart (GEMINI BRETT) as a Counseling Tool (MOON ZLOTNICK) • Solar Fire Demonstration of • The Art of Living and Dying from a Astronomical Cycles Short Vedic Perspective (ROY GILLETT) (TIMON HAREWOOD) • Death and Rebirth in the Chart: Talks Not Just Pluto’s Game (KATE RUSKO) Full Schedule • The Bright Side of Darkness (ANGELA TIKI) and Details at OPAastrology.org

Retreat Update

Gemini Brett Joins the Faculty latitude. The result is that each of us has a unique Ascendant Azimuth. Gemini has come to call this Azimuth of a Native’s Ascendant, GEMINI BRETT the Shamanic Direction and has witnessed some uncanny astrological correspondences at the 2017 OPA Retreat revealed through this astronomical technique. In this short presentation, Brett will quickly We are delighted to have a truly special addition to our 2017 OPA introduce these concepts and will show you how to use free software to Retreat program in Utah (Oct 19-22, 2017). Gemini has done extensive find your specific birth Azimuth and to trace that Direction around the research on Astronomy for Astrology, and inspired with sincere devo- globe from the place on Earth where you rose. tion, he came up with unique perspectives that we are eager to learn more about.

NIGHT SKY PRESENTATION As a certifiable StarryTeller, Gemini Brett devotes his now as a living vow to the Marriage of Heaven and Earth. He began his formal study with the Track celestial patterns of the season and find the MC in the sky. Join Shamanic Astrology Mystery School, but has since synthesized his own us for ‘naked-eye’ cosmic explorations. terrestrially-tuned celestial stew by integrating ingredients of many astro kung fus (from Hellenistic to Evolutionary). Brett's principle intention is to ASTRONOMY PRESENTATION retrieve the Star Songs we heard in times before the written word. He trans- mits the mysteries he finds in sacred sites and living sky through a series of Hey baby, what’s your Azimuth? embodied exercise he calls Earthstrology and through the sacred sciences of Contrary to what most of our astrology texts suggest, the the Quadrivium: Geometry, Musical Harmony, Astronomy, and Number in Ascendant of a chart is not usually East. Just as the Sunrise danc- Nature. Gemini Brett is best known throughout cosmic circles as an astron- es north and south on the Eastern Horizon every year, the Moon omy-for-astrology expert and mystic mythologist, but the truth you'll find does so every Month, and the Zodiac or Ecliptic does so every day. when you get to know this fiery Scorpio is that his techniques are designed The distance from due East of this Zodiacal Dance increases with to water the heart through re-membering Signs of the Messenger's Mind.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 48 astrologers around the globe and from include pick up/drop off facility to/from 31 January – 4 February 2018, over 100 Kolkata airport, a tour of the city, a wel- international and local speakers will come pack, a certificate of attendance EAST be hosted by KIA and IVC in beautiful, as well as an optional visit to the vibrant modern Kolkata India for the 28th annual and holy city of Varanasi following the MEETS conference. The conference is a feast of conference. If you have always wanted ancient teachings and a must-do for true to come to India, then this is a wonderful seekers of stellar wisdom. It is one of the opportunity to experience the wonder WEST few conferences that truly aims to unite and mystery of this ancient culture that the Vedic and Western zodiacs for schol- has enjoyed thousands of years of unin- the 2018 Astrology arship, friendship, debate and exchange terrupted astrological glory. Even better, of knowledge. they are offering OPA members a 10% Conference in We are deeply honoured to have speak- reduction in the costs of any of these ers from six continents joining us in India packages. For further information about Calcutta, India including OPA Board Members Maurice the packages, please visit our website at (Jan. 31 – Feb. 4) Fernandez, Arlan Wise, and Alexandra www.ivcconference.com Karacostas, along with Lynn Bell, Roy Gillett, Margaret Gray,, Michael Lutin, Vanessa Guazzelli Paim, Rick Levine, As the Secretary General and Vice he Krishnamurti Insitute of Julija Simas, Aleksander Imsiragic, Principal of KIA, I cordially invite all Astrology (KIA) and the Institute for Courtney Roberts, Ehsan Khazeni and OPA members to take part in this won- Vedic Culture and Public Welfare many others. derful opportunity to learn from the T Most excitingly, KIA and IVC are wel- masters. If you have questions about (IVC) have held astrology conferences in Kolkata India for the past 27 years. In coming foreign guests (non speakers) to the conference, you may email me at join them in Kolkata and they have set [email protected] 2014, they opened their doors to Western R astrology lecturers and welcomed Ema up truly remarkable conference pack- Kurent of Slovenia and Richard Alwin ages to suit all budgets. The packages Fidler of South Africa to their (very big) stage to speak. In 2015, more Western astrologers came and yet even more became curious about what the fuss was all about in 2016. The sarees, sherwanis, tiaras, awards and the pomp and circumstance of India seem to have captivated Western

The Career page 49 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 50 ZOOdiac Astrology for Animals

Astrology cycles affect all species, not only humans. Enjoy this column where Arlan and friends speak of different experiences relating astrological configuration with animals and pets, including their natal charts, transits, adoption times, and synastries with their owners. OPA loves animals, and they too evolve their consciousness! If you would like to submit a story about the Astrology of Animals, be sure to have the exact date of birth. If you have the time of birth, please mention the source.

run “police”, carefully observing any play forget to close it, she comes to remind me to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand. (it’s hard to get good service these days). Neptune She gets along with every dog, even the So why was this randomly chosen dog cranky ones: she just has a way with them the one for me? For starters, she was by Kate Rusko (Sun/Neptune, Libra Moon). She is obsessed born with her Sun opposing mine, as with her kind and is on constant alert for well as her Venus opposing my Venus, have always been a cat a “friend”. She is fearless (Mars in Scorpio). and we have the same nodes (although person, until last year, Even though she only weighs 24 pounds, reversed). Whenever I think that I am Iwhen we got a dog. I has never met a dog that she found intim- my priority, I am reminded otherwise. write “we”, meaning my idating. Although cats are another story…. Her Mars is exactly on my Neptune and family and I, but really it Her Venus in Aquarius shows up in that her Saturn is on my Mars, which means is I who got a dog. I was she doesn’t like to be pat on the head. that she takes ME for a walk and not the not expecting this, however I swear that she finds it condescending. other way around. The key word here is charts don’t lie. And she needs her space. At 5 months, truly surrender: her Neptune is on my My husband and I had adopted two she moved herself out of our bedroom Pisces North Node. I thought I was already cats very early on in our relationship and by staging a sleep-strike. She wanted the learning that lesson with two strong Aries at the end of 2015, we were left with our whole living room for herself. She likes daughters, but clearly, I needed a little female, aged 17. We decided to shake to sleep in a crate with the door shut. If I extra push. R things up and get a dog: a beagle from a breeder. The decision was made really quickly and, to be honest, with practically no research. When people ask me why I got a beagle, I just make things up. Reason had little to do with it, so it’s no coinci- dence that we named our dog Neptune! She was one of a litter of 7 (Moon in Libra) and we don’t have a birth time, but I have a window. She’s somewhere within Libra and Capricorn for her ascendant. I doubt it is Sagittarius as I am sure with all that Pisces, she would have run away or gotten lost by now. Beagles are the poster dogs for tracking devices (just check Amazon), yet we can walk her off leash. People are mighty impressed that she comes back. They say things like “she must really love you!”. Again: it’s all in the charts! (And in the bags of cheese that I carry in my pockets). My best guess on her ascendant is Capricorn as she is the “Bawse”. She rules any dog run she goes to, and has done so since the age of 12 weeks. She is the dog

The Career page 51 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine material wealth. The white horse, glory, There are several myths relating to the The honor and recognition. constellation of the Auriga. One of them As a beast of burden, the horse was is that Athenea visited Hephaestus. He fell the symbol of the body of man forced to passionately in love with her and perse- Spiritual sustain the weight of his spiritual con- cuted her. stitution. Conversely, it also typified the He tried to rape her and semen fell Dimension spiritual nature of man forced to carry the onto Athenea’s thigh and was fertilized by burden of the material personality. the earth. Out of the semen, Erichthonius All souls are in the Topus Uranus and was born wrapped in a serpent. Later, of Horses are flying in a circle trying to get to the he became the new leader of Athens and gods, be enlightened and see the world of founded the Panahenaic festival in honor by Ursula Stockder the forms in all its glory. Some souls have of Athenea. Erichthonius invented the difficulty controlling the black horse, even quadriga, the four-horse chariot, and after with the help of the white horse. his death Zeus raised him to the heav- esterday was a The black horse loses his wings and ens to become the constellation of the truly inspiring day in lands in this space and time and is born Charioteer (Auriga). Y my life. At 11 o’clock as a human and the soul is incarnated The horse has a very complex sym- in the morning we arrived at into one of nine kinds of person, accord- bolism and, depending on its context, the ranch where my friend Luis Fernando ing to how much truth it beheld. we can interpret different meanings. In Villegas trains his horses. What an expe- In order of decreasing levels of its association with the realm of Hades, rience! I was struck by Luis Fernando refinement, the categories are: where the horse is a vehicle to the afterlife guiding his horses, dancing and elevat- and accompanies the funerary and other ing the whole experience to a spiritual 1. Philosophers, lovers of beauty, men rituals, he manifests the cycles of life - as encounter with the gods. of culture, or those dedicated to love. in the four horseman of the Apocalypse, Luis Fernando Villegas feels very 2. Law abiding kings or civic leaders where the horse may be interpreted to sig- close to the Renaissance and Baroque 3. Politicians, estate managers or busi- nify the four main divisions of human life. period, his horses carry the names from nessmen Napoleon’s epoch. A truly romantic time, 4. Ones who specialize in bodily health • Birth is represented by the rider on where idealism was one of the main pur- 5. Prophets or mystery cult participants the white horse who comes forth poses of life, going back to the Roman 6. Poets or imitative artists conquering and to conquer, values and Greek influence. 7. Craftsmen or farmers • Youth, by the rider on the red horse Before analyzing Luis Fernando’s rela- 8. Sophist or demagogues who took pace from the earth, tionship with his horses, let us see what 9. Tyrants • Maturity, by the rider on the black history and the symbolic language has to horse who weighs all things in the say about the meaning of horses through- scales of reason; and out times. • Death, by the rider on the pale For Plato, they are a presence or ideas horse who was given power over a of everything that exists, the “Topus fourth part of the earth. Uranus” Gods and Heavens. The soul is like a carriage: representing the intellect, In Dupuis notes on the “Origin of All reason or the part of the soul that must Religious Worship”, the four elements be guided to truth. The white horse is were represented by a horse bearing the immortal, noble. The black horse the the name of the God. The first winged mortal, obstinate opposite in character, horse, signifying the fire ether element, which makes its driving necessarily diffi- was called Jupiter and occupied the high- cult and troublesome. est place in the order of the elements. It The charioteer, “the Auriga”, directs the shone the purest light, and on its body entire chariot/soul, trying to stop the black there were the images of the sun, the and white horse from going different ways, moon, the stars, and all the bodies in the to proceed towards enlightenment. ethereal regions. (The star Capella is the brightest star The Second horse, signifying the ele- in the Auriga constellation, at 20 Gemini ment of air, was Juno. Although black, when projected on the ecliptic.) exposed to the sun became luminous, This metaphor of the soul and the hors- symbolizing the diurnal and nocturnal es is equivalent to reason. The Greeks saw conditions of air. these elements as real forces, like electric- The Third horse, symbolizing the ele- ity that could move a man to act and think ment of water, was sacred to Neptune, in certain ways. The Soul, through the Luis Fernando Villegas and “Paris”, working in the God who created horses. Auriga, the Charioteer, or reason, seeks absolute liberty, and Marlène” his inseparable The Fourth horse, signifying the truth and knowledge. The black horse Shetland shepherd dog. (Photographer: Alejandra static element of earth described as represents appetites, food, drink, sex and Hernández Stockder)

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Luis has his Nodal Axis in Virgo/ Pisces representing his natural interplay between the wild and the tamed. Luis’s Sun is also square Jupiter in the 9th house, the traditional house and ruler of Sagittarius, the horse/human symbol. He gets his first experience with train- ing animals through his brother, who used to be a falconer and later, thanks to his experience and knowledge, became the head of the rehabilitation program of birds of prey at the main zoo in Mexico. His parents took Luis Fernando, at age 14, to riding lessons after the death of his eldest brother who died of a cerebral Neptune riding in his chariot at sea; head piece to Book 13, page 957 of Homer’s Illiad, translated by tumor (Saturn in his 3rd house squaring Pope, in six volumes Bernard Lintott, London: 1715- 1720) Luis’s Sun). These events left him with a great responsibility during the mourning immovable and champing its bit was the moment on horseman and horse became period of his parents. (His progressed steed of Vesta. inseparable in the mythology of the cen- Ascendant entering in Piscis). Sagittarius is another horse constel- taur in modern times. At age 15 he started with classical lation. It represents the centaur Chiron, There is a wide range of human - horse equitation lessons and at age 16 he got son of Cronus and Philyra (goddess of interactions depending on their cultural Campeador, his first and beloved White beauty, healing and writing), the half background, but one point is clear: the Pure Andalusian horse, whom he referred man and half horse abandoned by his horse has given power to man. Riding a to as his healer, teacher and guide to mother in Mount Pelion. His physical and horse gives mankind a higher vision of the spiritual realm. With Campeador he psychological appearance differs from the world and a deeper understanding of developed a close relation for more than the other centaurs, born from Ixion and themselves and their unconscious. This 26 years. Nephele. Chiron was the great teacher, is probably the reason why all horses Campeador (7th June 1980 @ 6:15 AM healer, astrologer, and mentor of Achilles are born around Sunrise with their Sun - Passing 26th September 2012 @ 12 PM) among others, who represents the prim- positioned in the 12th or their 1st house. entered Luis’s life when his progressed itive creation, progenitor and instructor Xenophon, Socrates follower and the Ascendant moved into Pisces and squared of mankind. father of classical equitation, encourages his natal Neptune. Campeador died when We also have the winged horse a mutual respect between man and horse. Neptune enters into the sign of Pisces and Pegasus, son of Neptune and Medusa, squared Luis’s natal Neptune. symbolizing the secret doctrine and the LUIS and HIS HORSES • Campeador’s Moon is on Luis’s spiritualized body of man. This mytho- The relationships with horses are usual- Chiron, with reference to his logical horse represents forces working ly passed through generations, but in Luis healer, teacher, and guide to the in the invisible worlds, like the unicorn, Fernando’s case his approach was differ- spiritual realm. which was adopted by the mysteries of ent. Since he was 5 years old he used to • Campeador’s Uranus, ruler of Luis’s Christianity as a symbol of the illumined spend his summer in the house of family Sun, is on Luis’s MC at 22 Scorpio. spiritual nature of the initiate, and the friends where the mother of his uncle • Campeador’s Mercury is on horn with which it defends itself, being taught him the lineage and spiritual Luis’s Moon in Cancer, showing a the flaming sword of the spiritual doc- approach to horses. Nobody in his fam- strong emotional communication trine against which nothing can prevail. ily understood this mystical connection. between them. Neptune, the god of the ocean’s He feels profoundly connected to the immensity, ruler of Pisces and the 12th Carthusian monastery and their history. LUIS, MARENGO, and PARIS house, created not only the dolphins and These monks managed a breeding pro- In 1997, Luis started his own horse the cows but the horses, symbolizing the gram of the Andalusian horses for more company “Marengo” and in 2001 two of cosmic energies of eternity on all levels. than 400 years. his star horses were born; the first one, It is the instinctual force, like the waves In Luis Fernando’s birth chart (Jan 20, Marengo (Pure Arabian) 8 May 2001 @ of the ocean, that have to be tamed and 1970 @ 8am, Mexico City), we see his Sun 5:55 AM. He passed away fifteen years guided towards spirituality. in Aquarius positioned in the 12th house later on 14th Nov. 2016 7:00 AM. During the Neoclassic period, the where silent communication with the The chart of Marengo and his passing horse was elevated to the highest spheres God Neptune emerges and the taming of are very revealing: of the royal families, he not only was horses and animals is inspired. He was born on a Taurus/Scorpio full represented in innumerable fountains, The 12th house, Neptune, and Pisces Moon, and passed on a Scorpio/Taurus embodying the idealism of military patri- represent the untamed, wildlife, and free full Moon. otism, heraldic exacerbation and Roman spirits, whereas the 6th house, Mercury, He passed with Saturn in the horse values but also became part of the cast and Virgo represent taming the wild. sign of Sagittarius in the 8th house, exactly of Opera or Theatre scenarios. From this

The Career page 53 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Zoodiac: Astrology for Animals

opposing natal Jupiter. Transiting Jupiter exactly trining natal Jupiter. • Chiron is close to the South Node in both natal and death chart. • Neptune exactly conjuncts the South Node in Pisces alluding to his connec- tion to the myth of Neptune. His second horse, Paris (Pure Andalusian) was born 16th April 2001@ 6:00 AM. He trained them and in 2008 he started with his “Escuadra Marengo” where he introduced his horses into equestrian spectacles, operas, fashion shows and more. When I analyzed all the birth and death charts of his horses, I noticed the great influence Neptune transits have had in Luis Fernando’s Villegas life. • Marengo and Paris enter his life with Neptune conjunct Luis’s natal Ascendant. • Marengo died with Neptune in con- junction with Luis Fernando’s Villegas North Node return into Pisces. • Desirée his Pure Arabian mare (20th April 2010/5:00 AM) was born with Chiron at 0 Pisces conjunct Neptune at 28 Aquarius and squaring Luis’s natal Neptune. • Vizir (7th March 2015/5:00 AM) is born with the Midpoint Sun Neptune conjunct Luis Fernando’s North Node in Pisces.

CONCLUSION We can clearly see that animals respond to their charts the same way humans do. Horses have a strong mythological and historical connection with humans. We can see how Neptune/Pisces/12th house and Jupiter/Chiron/Sagittarius seem to be prominent in the interconnections between horse people and their horses.

REFERENCES: Star Tales - Ian Ridpath Wikipedia, The Secret Teachings of All Ages - Manly P. Hall Astrology, Magic and Alchemy in Art

A practicing astrologer, Jungian therapist, specialized in palliative care, and painter, Ursula Stockder is based in Mexico and has been practicing and teaching astrology since 1995. She incorporates an Evolutionary Astrology approach to her practice. Ursula currently serves as the Mexican satellite for the Organization of Professional Astrology (OPA), is representative of Cosmic Patterns and founded and manages Ursula’s, a cultural and gastronomic center where conferences, courses and events are held. www.keplerlatinoamerica.com, www.ursulas.com.mx R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 54 Zoodiac: Astrology for Animals

of the cat’s owner. If that is you, then you Let’s look at an example and see if the are using your own natal chart. hypothesis works. The If you have only one cat or you’re inquiring about your pets in general, CHAMPAGNE Adoption then look to your sixth house. Now turn the chart wheel so that your sixth house Champagne was a laid-back five-year- serves as the first house, and read the old orange tabby male I adopted from the Chart chart as you would if you were reading a Pennsylvania SPCA in 2003. His age was Horary judgement chart. In this case, your a guesstimate — as a shelter cat his birth How do you read your local seventh house becomes your cat’s data was unknown. cat’s chart when you second house (his possessions), your local Champagne impressed the shelter staff don’t know when eighth becomes your cat’s third and so on. with his confidence and personality. He If you are focused on one of several was quite comfortable around humans he was born? cats in the household, then you count and promptly made himself at home. He three houses from the sixth for each suc- was expressive with lots of chirps and cessive cat. So, the second cat is the local sounds and a purr you could hear from by Ellen Zucker, CAP eighth house (or the first cat’s third of sib- across the room. It was that purr, made lings), the third cat is your local tenth (first while I held him in my arms at the shelter cat’s fifth), and so on. Then turn the chart that convinced me he was a keeper. He strology is an so the house ruling the cat in question is charmed his way with company, parking amazing tool. It placed in the first house position. himself at the center of many a social A allows you to see By turning the wheel, so to speak, you gathering. Champagne’s social and affa- the filters through which see the cat’s perspective. But that wheel is ble nature even impressed the veterinary you experience the world. your chart so you are literally seeing the staff when he went for his checkups. But what if you want to get astrological cat’s perspective through your eyes. Champagne’s adoption papers are time- insight into your cat? And you don’t have One downside: this technique can make stamped at 11:57 am EDT, Philadelphia, the cat’s birth data? Can you use astrolo- an astrologer dizzy. PA making the deed official. See adoption gy to see the world from a cat’s point of The Adoption chart is a third option. chart on following page. view? Most astrologers would argue that the If an animal adoption chart can act as Clearly anyone who owns or works chart of the cat’s adoption is an event a proxy to a birth chart it should describe with cats would benefit from astrology’s chart and I don’t disagree. As the natal the general temperament of the animal. insights. But few people have complete chart of the event one can apply any tech- So how does this chart fit with birth data for their cat. Breeders will nique you’d apply to any natal chart such Champagne’s outgoing, easy-going record the animal’s birth date but not its as transits, progressions, etc. Like any temperament? Virgo is rising with a MC birth time. If your cat was a rescue, a stray natal chart analysis, you get the benefit of in earthy Taurus which suggests some or came from a shelter you may not even its depth and breadth. reserve. But chart ruler Mercury con- know the year it was born. A couple weeks But I am going to argue that another ago I read astrology charts for attendees approach is to treat the Adoption chart at a conference of pet people. A few knew as a surrogate or proxy birth chart for the their pet’s birthday but not one knew their cat when you don’t have complete birth animal’s birth time. information. So, what do you do? Here are some All cats could have a timed birth chart if The Adoption alternative techniques: you had the birth data. So, the Adoption chart acts as a Horary is completely independent of chart acts as a second chart for the cat a birth time. The name horary means in much like nation-states and corporations second chart for the moment. And the only moment that that have multiple charts — each trig- the cat much like counts is the one when the astrologer first gered by a profound reorganization or completely understands the question. Just change. After all it’s said that cats have nation-states and as the case of a human querent, Horary is nine lives. Certainly, the day you took your corporations that the quickest route to your answer about cat home is tantamount to her rebirth, have multiple charts a specific question concerning your cat. and a trigger for a new chart. If you’re looking for precise information Like a revolution changing essentials of — each triggered by then Horary ought to be your technique a nation-state, the decision to adopt a cat a profound of choice. A skilled Horary reader can changes every aspect of her life — in fact even glean insights into the subject’s psy- if she is a rescue or a stray, you are prob- reorganization or chology. The downside is that you don’t ably saving her life. It’s difficult to imagine change. get access to the depth and breadth of a an act that so profoundly impacts anoth- natal chart’s perspective. er. Shelters and rescues recognize this Derivative Houses is another option. and frequently offer adopting pet parents Here, you base your analysis on the chart the option to rename the animal.

The Career page 55 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Zoodiac: Astrology for Animals

junct MC ruler Venus, dignified in Taurus and close to the Midheaven, accounts for the cat’s laidback nature and social demeanor. In fact, when using traditional rulers Venus becomes the final dispositor reflecting Champagne’s laidback, earthy charm. The separating new moon in Gemini accounts for Champagne’s talk- ative nature and describes his curiosity and outgoing personality. Mars in the sixth house trine tradition- al house ruler Saturn and sextile Pluto describe excellent health through most of his long life (Champagne lived to age 19). Pluto in the fourth house of endings oppos- ing Champagne’s Sun, Moon and Saturn plays a role in his demise as we will see. Angular Uranus on the descendant trine the Moon/Saturn conjunction made for self-sufficiency and independence. While I loved all the cats who lived with me, my bond with Champagne was unusually close. Champagne was per- fectly attuned to my temperament and completely loyal. He had an uncanny way of anticipating my needs. When I came downstairs at night he made little noises to alert me he was lying on the floor in the darkened living room. He followed me around the house and loved laying on my lap. CHART 2 – MY SYNASTRY WITH CHAMPAGNE

The bi-wheel below shows the strong connections between my natal chart (inner wheel) and Champagne’s Adoption chart (outer). Note the trine between Champagne’s final dispositor Venus and Mercury, and my own Venus/MC conjunc- tion. His Adoption Ascendant made a close opposition to my Sun/Moon conjunction while his Uranus conjoined my Sun/Moon conjunction. I experienced Champagne as a healer. Picking him up and holding him at the PSPCA for the very first time, his energy took away the buzz I was feeling and replaced it with calm. Adoption Chiron makes a partile conjunction to my Venus/ MC indicating his healing influence. My chart is the inner wheel, Champagne’s the outer wheel. Another test for the plausibility of the Adoption chart is to see how it responds to subsequent events. Unlike humans, Champagne did not experience mile- stones such as career achievements, marriage, births (the shelter neutered him

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ZUCKER I kept Champagne as comfortable as cusp of the Adoption eighth. Neptune, possible and frantically kept searching for Pisces’ modern ruler is found in the prior to adoption), but he did experience food he could handle as he slowly wasted sixth of illness, while Jupiter, Pisces tra- some health events which were docu- away. On the morning of March 27th, he ditional ruler is found in the opposing mented by veterinarian receipts. turned his nose up at the only food he 12th. According to Rex Bills, Jupiter rules The first was tooth extraction. As is was still able to eat, kitty treats in a broth tumors. Jupiter in the Adoption 12th also common to many cats, Champagne devel- formulation. That evening, Champagne indicates that the final journey was a oped inflamed gums. Tooth extraction died sitting next to me on the living room spiritual one as Champagne crossed the was the recommended treatment. Prior couch. It was roughly 30 minutes after the Rainbow Bridge and joined his spiritual to surgery the Veterinarian had identified new moon in Aries, the ending of a cycle. brethren. two teeth to be pulled, but when she fin- Chiron, Venus, and the Aries new moon ished she had pulled nine(!) Champagne are clustered in the Adoption eighth with CONCLUSION took it in stride and recovered just fine. the latter three in the Mars-ruled sign of The surgery took place on April 15, 2010. inflammation. Transiting Jupiter opposing In conclusion, I believe the above By solar arc, Adoption Mars in the sixth the transiting Uranus/Mercury conjunction shows that Champagne’s timed adop- (surgery as well as inflammation) had and trining Adoption Sun, Moon, Saturn tion chart makes an excellent stand-in advanced seven degrees to trine Adoption shows his final journey was mercifully when lack of complete birth data Saturn (teeth). quick. Note also that the transiting north makes a timed birth chart impossible. node and MC are conjoined with the It describes his temperament, physical X-RAYS health, and is sensitive to transits. Like a timed birth chart, this chart carried The second health issue reared its head the promise of his final illness that was in the close of 2016 when Champagne triggered later. began vomiting. It increased in frequency I believe ... that This sample, although compelling, and precipitated several visits to the veter- can only be suggestive. Further testing inarian. On December 6th, 2016 an x-ray Champagne’s timed is needed to explore this hypothesis revealed what looked to be a ball in his adoption chart further. If you have timed adoption and stomach. The Vet stated he couldn’t deter- event data for your pet and would like mine whether the mass was the remains makes an to share it, I invite you to contact me so of Champagne’s last meal or something excellent stand-in I can test this concept further. more ominous based on x-rays alone, but Champagne’s weight had started to when lack decrease — not a good sign. By this time, of complete birth References and Notes transiting Saturn in Champagne’s Adoption Rex E. Bills, The Rulership Book, American data makes a Federation of Astrologers, 1971 fourth house (stomach) was conjoining Dr. J. Lee Lehman, PhD, The Book of Rulerships: Pluto (cancer). In the transit chart, Cancer timed birth chart Keywords from Classical Astrology, Whitford (stomach) is rising with Pluto (cancer) on impossible. Press 1992 the descendent. The Sun is applying to a Michael Baigent, Nicholas Campion, and Charles It describes his Harvey, Mundane Astrology: The Astrology of conjunction to Saturn (shedding light and Nations Groups and Organizations, The Aquarian facing reality) in the X-ray chart sixth while temperament, Press 1984 Moon is conjoined with Neptune (my wishful Bill Meridian, Planetary Stock Trading, Cycles thinking that the mass in the x-rays were physical health, Research Publications 1998 undigested food). Various conversations with Robert Glasscock, and is sensitive Jacqueline Janes, MA and others Meanwhile, transiting Pluto conjoins Adoption Chiron (as transiting Chiron) is to transits separating from Adoption Pluto. Last but Ellen Zucker, CAP, is a Philadelphia native not least, transit MC is about to conjoin who has been an astrologer since she was the Adoption eighth house. smitten by Linda Goodman’s SUN SIGNS The vomiting continued and I took at age 14. She is a lifetime member of OPA Champagne in for an ultrasound. By now Adoption ascendant as transiting ascen- having originated the E-News, now QOTM. the mass had grown much larger. The dant is about to conjoin the Adoption IC She has also authored the astrology chap- radiologist stated the cause was probable and the Adoption south node. A beautiful ters in The Pet Fashion Almanack since 2014, was the original horoscope columnist lymphoma, common among senior cats, life came to an end. at PawCulture.com and serves as president and a definitive diagnosis could be con- So, does the Adoption chart carry the promise of Champagne’s final illness? The of the Philadelphia chapter of National firmed by biopsy. After discussion with Council for Geocosmic Research. answer is an emphatic Yes. my Veterinarian I decided to forego heroic measures and kept the now 19-year-old Mars (inflammation) and Neptune (the lymphatic system) are found in the cat as comfortable as possible through R palliative means. Adoption sixth of illness. Pisces is on the

The Career page 57 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Zoodiac: Astrology for Animals

a conjoiningproblem. She Mars. is smartTransiting and isMoon trained con to- and her serious Scorpio planets adds to sit,joins and natal most Uranus, important, transiting to stay Pluto inside is thenow this volatility. Shima carmaking when a I partileopen the conjunction door. She toknows Adoption to Shima embodies the Pluto-Uranus waitChiron until and I tell Saturn her to (facing come reality)out. But is she over - square. She shows this in a conflict by Arlan Wise expresseshead in the fiery transit enthusiasm chart as when transiting she gets Sun between trying to be obedient and listen happy.approaches My granddaughter a conjunction describes to transiting it to the rules, and her need to express 11/23/2012 St. Thomas, byPluto. saying Note, “Shima too, getsthat sothe excited”. transiting When MC her exhilaration for life. Mars alongside Virgin Islands. Shimaconjoins sees Adoption someone Pluto. she lovesThe inner come chart to Pluto makes her pushy and determined theis Champagne’sdoor, she whines Adoption and scratches chart, the and Outer, to get her way. Uranus Moon can make have Shima’s birth- thenthe Ultrasound.starts the jumping and squealing. her crazy out of control, quite often when day and birthplace OtherI kept people Champagne get barked as comfortableat. She feels asit’s she is happy. She talks by whining with but no time of birth. I herpossible job to andchase frantically away the kept UPS searching man after for inflections when she has something to say When a client asks to make hefood delivers he could his package handle as at hethe slowly door. wasted – asking me to stop reading and get up an appointment for a reading but has no th, away.Shima On is thejealous. morning I felt ofher March Venus 27 in he and play with her, or to let her out to do idea of his/her birth time, I use a Solar Scorpioturned evenhis nose before up atI looked the only at foodthe chart. he her business. chart. This is Shimas’s Solar chart. Shewas has still a ablebig heart to eat, full kitty of lovetreats but in shea broth Jupiter in Gemini in the seventh house It fits. Sagittarius on the Ascendant and doesformulation. not like to That see evening, me give Champagneattention to shows her love for people and that she a Sagittarius Sun describes her journey thedied cats. sitting She nextgrowls to atme them on the and living used room does not like to be alone. She lives with from her birthplace, St. Thomas, Virgin tocouch. do a pseudo-biting It was roughly action, 30 minutes knowing after the a thirteen-year-old Chihuahua. Bea is the Islands to Martha’s Vineyard. She was thatnew she moon shouldn’t in Aries, actually the ending make ofcon a -cycle. alpha, the Mars-Pluto in Capricorn to four months old when she took this trip. tact.Chiron, Among Venus, all her and exuberance, the Aries therenew moon Shima’s Sagittarius-Aries. We saw her the day after the flight and isare a subdued, clustered unsure in the Adoptionquality to eighthher – a with My partner Jay and I have become she seemed nonplussed by it, just curious Venus-Saturnthe latter three “do in youthe Mars-ruledlove me?” whichsign of her “dad” and “mom”. We both have our about her new surroundings. Her name needsinflammation. a lot of reassurance. Transiting Jupiter Maybe opposing this Suns in early Leo which fill in the grand Shima, means “island” in Japanese. A cli- goesthe transitingback to the Uranus/Mercury trauma of being conjunction left at trine with Shima’s Sun and Moon, though ent of mine who works in Japan called the theand SPCA trining (Animal Adoption Shelter) Sun, when Moon, she Saturn was squares her Venus-Saturn (do you really night we brought her home and he said twoshows months his final old. journeyShe lived was there mercifully in dog love me?). Her Pluto is conjunct my south “You must call her Shima because she has limboquick. for Note another also thattwo themonths transiting until itnorth was node. My Mars is opposite her Sun. Jay gone from one island to another.” warmnode enough and MC to are fly conjoined her north. with Her the Sun in has his Mars near her Venus and his Libra Since I live on an island, I find in my SagittariusAdoption ascendant is square asNeptune transiting in ascenPisces- Moon opposite her Aries Moon. I am the client work that those who live here on whichdant isalong about with to fourconjoin planets the Adoption and Chiron IC disciplinarian. Martha’s Vineyard and on other islands inand water the signs Adoption makes south her sensitivenode. A beautiful to her On the day that we adopted her there have planets, often the Moon, in the surroundingslife came to anand end. to the people, and dogs, was a Sun-Venus-Mars conjunction in twelfth house. Look at Shima’s twelfth aroundSo, does her. theThe Adoptionstress between chart carry her emo the - Aries, close to her Moon. She found her house. There are three planets and the tionallypromise high-strung of Champagne’s Aries Moon-Uranus final illness? The home. We found a great dog. North Node. Saturn is well placed there answer is an emphatic Yes. and hopefully Shima will live a long life Mars (inflammation) and Neptune here on the island. (the lymphatic system) are found in the Shima has energy. At four she still Adoption sixth of illness. Pisces is on the behaves like a puppy. Her Sun-Moon cusp of the Adoption eighth. Neptune, trine is charged up by Uranus. I think this Pisces’ modern ruler is found in the explains the out of control jumping and sixth of illness, while Jupiter, Pisces tra- kissing that happens every time I come ditional ruler is found in the opposing home, even if I have only been away for 12th. According to Rex Bills, Jupiter rules twenty minutes. She can rev up from 0 tumors. Jupiter in the Adoption 12th also to 60 in an instant. Once excited, she will indicates that the final journey was a bounce around until something inside her spiritual one as Champagne crossed the doggy brain says “it’s time to chill now” Rainbow Bridge and joined his spiritual and she calms down. She doesn’t cool brethren. down because I tell her to, which is often In conclusion, I believe the above shows lymphoma, common among senior that Champagne’s timed adoption chart cats, and a definitive diagnosis could be makes an excellent stand-in when lack of confirmed by biopsy. After discussion with complete birth data makes a timed birth my Veterinarian I decided to forego heroic chart impossible. It describes his temper- measures and kept the now 19-year-old ament, physical health, and is sensitive to cat as comfortable as possible through transits. Like a timed birth chart, this chart palliative means. carried the promise of his final illness that In the transit chart based on the time- was triggered later. stamped ultrasound report, Neptune This sample, although compelling, can (lymphoma) is squarely on the Ascendant only be only suggestive. Further testing is R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 58 guidance. For example, if a chart shows idea to look at the planets which are obstacles with fertility, making predictions conjunct to fixed stars. about when the native will conceive is bound to bring disappointment and is a Many astrologers today use the Lunar waste of time. Nodes to help their clients discover Many approaches to chart analysis can their soul mission in life. I find the Lunar prove effective. Here, I’m happy to share Nodes to be among the most powerful my personal perspective which has helped influences in the natal chart. They give us forge my success in my personal practice. the answers for the questions “Why am I These are some of the tools I use while here?”, “What is my mission in this life?” delineating a chart. and “Where am I heading?”. In addition to the Nodes, I would also • I blend traditional and modern tech- recommend to use Pars Hyleg in order to niques in both chart delineation find where the Life Purpose of the native and prediction. In addition to the lies. This part and its ruler are used to Luminaries and 5 traditional planets, understand the highest spiritual purpose I use outer planets, Uranus, Neptune of the native, and the reason for this life. 1 and Pluto, as well as Chiron. Take note whether the birth of the • I use primarily the traditional rulers native occurred after a New Moon or a of the Zodiacal signs as rulers of the Full Moon. The New or Full Moon prior to house cusps but also consider the birth is called the Syzygy Ante Nativitatem modern planets as co-rulers. (SAN). Identify what degree and minute of • I give priority to the Ptolemaic the Sign is the SAN position. aspects, but also some of the The formula to calculate this Pars Hyleg minor aspects such as - quincunx, is: ASC + Moon – SAN (the most recent semi-square, semi-sextile. new moon or full moon before the birth). • I use 5-degree orb for the aspects involving house cusps and for the ASC + Moon – New Moon angular houses I use 8-degree orb. ASC + Moon – Full Moon For the Sun and the Moon, I increase the orbs to 10 degree. Planets in contact with this Part also • I mainly use Placidus houses, but to inform about this subject. Enhancing gain further information, I also use A simple technique for those who are Whole Sign houses. beginners in consulting practice is to Your • I use derived houses to gather infor- look at the disposition of mation for the persons other than the hemispheres and quarters of the chart. native in the natal and other charts The quarters where the ruler of the like Solar Return or Lunar Return. Ascendant, the Sun and the Moon are Practice • I use Arabic Parts and Fixed Stars placed are particularly important because Column by in delineation both in the natal charts they are areas of primary focus. Following and Solar and Lunar Return charts. that, it is useful to analyze elements and Öner Döşer One of the most important tools in qualities disposition. Knowing the bal- chart reading in traditional astrol- ance of elements and qualities in a chart is ogy is the fixed stars. Some of the crucial in informing the native accurately. fixed stars bring a striking ascent and power into the native’s life while ffective Reading and Prediction USING PREDICTIVE some others bring challenging effects Skills to Inspire You to Increase TECHNIQUES and emphasize that the native will Once we have established a fairly Your Clientele and Ensure That E experience challenging events or pos- comprehensive analysis of the natal They Return. For a successful practice, an astrologer sibly downfalls in their life. It is a good chart, we can proceed to using predictive must have mastery of natal chart reading, techniques. and also be equipped with techniques to Here are some predictive techniques identify and analyze future events. Clients that I find particularly useful, and why: commonly come to astrologers for such I find the guidance, and the better we are at our • Profections skills, the more we can serve and expand Lunar Nodes to be • Firdaria our practice. among the most • Solar and Lunar Returns • Transits Understanding the dynamics of the powerful natal chart means that we identify its true • Secondary Progressions potential. Providing a good analysis and influences in the Determining the Time Lords while making reliable predictions will help our natal chart. clients and inspire them to come back for using traditional astrology techniques like more sessions when they are in need of Profection, Firdaria and Solar Return is

The Career page 59 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine traditional and modern astrology, are precious tools for determining what the rr Once we have native will experience on a monthly and established yearly basis. Erecting Lunar Charts for the period that the native will experience a fairly important transits are very useful for comprehensive understanding the specific concerns of the native during these times. analysis of the Secondary progressions and transits natal chart, we are crucial to understand inner motiva- tions of the native as well as their possible can proceed to reflections in the outer world. Transits using predictive may provide us precise timing of the events. This is why it has always been techniques. an essential prediction technique. I also think that Secondary Progressions are an important tool to find out the evolutionary also important. The Time Lord is the path of the native, the native’s area of planet (or planets) which represents a development, his psychology and motiva- specific period of native’s life with refer- tion for specific periods. ence to the different techniques listed above – for example, the Time Lord of TO USE HORARY IN the Solar Return would be the ruler of CONSULTATION the Ascendant of that chart. Transits to Horary has always been my “trump this planet and its progressions give us card” in my consultations. It is a magnifi- the timing of major events in native’s life. cent technique for finding out the answers Transits were also used in tradition- to specific questions. The clients may al astrology but they would come after sometimes ask critical questions based on applying the techniques like Profection, their current conditions. Instead of just Firderia, Directing by Terms and Solar looking at the natal chart, you create a To learn more about Return. Transits were considered to be chart for the moment the client asks the triggers that indicate the occurrence of questions: the law of synchronicity the these techniques read specific events. Secondary Progressions positions of the planets and their aspects may also be considered like that. So, this tell us about the course of the events and Oner's book is the order I follow while using prediction the answer to the question which was techniques on a chart. asked at the very moment. ASTROLOGICAL Profections, which is one of the ancient To me, an astrologer who gives readings traditional techniques, provides us healthy and uses prediction techniques should PREDICTION annual forecasts. In addition to answering know as well. the questions like “What will be the native TECHNIQUES be focused on this year?”, “Which issues CONCLUSION will fill the native’s agenda?”, “How will he Combining these different methods found at Amazon. deal with challenging conditions?”, “When provides the astrologer with an oppor- will this year’s important events occur?” tunity to confirm certain assessments in com and other sellers. it also helps us answer the questions like the chart. We should not exaggerate and See book review at “How will native’s relations develop this get lost in too many techniques, but at year?” and “How will his finances be this the same time, if we identify repeating OPAastrology.org. year?” Through the help of transits and patterns through different systems, it progressions that the Lord of the Year strengthens our points. (LoY) receives, we may make specific A successful practice depends on accu- predictions. (By profecting our chart > 1 rate results. house per year, we can identify the Lord of the year. It is the ruler of the sign which opens the house that indicates our age > With love, light and hope! for example, age 14 will be 12 houses + 2 Öner Döşer, AMA, MAPAI, ISAR Cap = second house, and its ruler). OPA Turkey Satellite Firdaria, one of the most ancient www.onerdoser.com/eng techniques, divides periods of our lives under the rulership of one specific planet, Transits to and from that planet help us 1 (Reference: Robert Zoller, Foundation Course predict the nature and timing of specific in Medieval Astrology, Lesson Two: The Arabic Parts in Astrology, 2nd Edition 2002, New Library events. Limited) For me, Solar Return and Lunar Return charts, which are used both in R

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AUGUST 19 J U N E 24 Roy Gillett NOVEMBER 19 Anne Ortelee www.crucialastrotools.co.uk Gemini Brett anneortelee.com MoreThanAstrology.com How to use astro-cycles to Finding Clients in Your Chart understand change [and the Sacred Astronomy for How do you find, keep and grow your clients. Astrologers We’ll talk about how to pinpoint where they imminent Solar Eclipse] and come from and how they find you. It is all in welcome transformation to your chart. our lives. DECEMBER 3 Knowing the astrology of unwanted, even Charles Jameson seemingly unpleasant situations and people [email protected] J U LY 2 can dramatically change our lives for the better. Donna Young Enemies can become friends, difficulties turn The Jupiter/Saturn Cycle &Tamira out to be amazing opportunities. Roy will explain 2020 McGillivray and give both mundane and personal examples A New Era Begins. Astrologers through [email protected], [email protected] of how we can do this. the ages have paid special attention to the Understanding House Systems conjunctions of Saturn and Jupiter every 20 Which house system is the best? How do we use SEPTEMBER 3 years. William Lilly even wrote a book about multiple house calculations and still create a Lynn Bell the 1643 conjunction, and what it might delineation that is effective? Join us for an explo- www.lynnbellastrology.com foretell. What they found fascinating was ration of the differences between some of the that for many years the conjunction would house systems in use today to help you make an The Astrology of Islam’s occur in signs of the same element - Fire, informed decision. Beginnings. A new religion, the religion of Earth, Air, Water, and repeat. When a con- the Prophet, came into the world on a Uranus junction occurred in a new element, this Neptune conjunction. Its expansion follows the signified a new era. We had such a new era J U LY 24 rhythm’s of Jupiter and Saturn. What do the start in 1980, with the conjunction in air, Heiltje Leroux charts for the beginning of Islam tell us about its after being in earth signs since 1802. The role in the world today? 2000 conjunction was back in earth, but [email protected] we return to air sign conjunctions in 2020, Moon’s Spiral of Revealed for the following hundred years or more. OCTOBER 7 So what does all this mean? What defines Consciousness Just like Saturn, the Hakan Kirkoglu our most recent earth sign sequence of Moon forms a spiral of revelations on a deep www.hakankirkoglu.com conjunctions? And what lies ahead? What soul level throughout our lives. When we under- does history show us, particularly from 1960 stand the linked spiral of emotions of the Moon Prenatal Eclipse Charts and onwards, about what these conjunction and understandings of Saturn, we start to live cyles might mean? (Australian Time) our lives according to what we need to experi- Their Returns. ence in this life, and less as unmoored receptive individuals only as reflections of this life impact- NOVEMBER 5 ing on us. Carol Dimitrov [email protected] Carl Jung: Astrological Portrait Call from wherever you Considered the founder of Analytical Psychology, are and join these one Jung pioneered and contributed to the theories of the unconscious and collective consciousness, Get updates and hour lectures for OPA dream and shadow theories, archetypes and the process of individuation. Jung was not without learn more at members only. critics; however, his contributions far exceed the critics. As Astrologers we use many of his con- OPAastrology.org cepts in our work. In this presentation we will It’s enlightening, look at some of these theories in relationship to how they have influenced Astrologers in the way it’s fun, it’s free! we look at the chart impacting on us.

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OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 62 Throughout my life, I have looked to be However, it’s not yet a 100% comfort- in alignment with my own livelihood. I’ve able place to be. Some days I’m energized looked for ways to weave all the spokes by being able to create my own schedule of my wheel in a career that would feel and reconnect with my own inner rhythm. right to my life’s path. Working as an Other days, it all feels very overwhelming. astrological coach and artist in what I feel Becoming a solopreneur is a heroic jour- committed to building. It has been my ney, that demands psychological, as well desire to see astrology as a financially as spiritual strength. viable career path, not just for myself, but for future generations. When the rubber meets the road - Business as a Using hindsight to spur spiritual and healing journey myself forward Starting your own business is a complex Since leaving my corporate life, I can and deeply spiritual journey. look back with gratitude and see how far It’s also healing. All those years of ther- I’ve come. I have published three astrol- apy and healing that you may have done ogy coloring books, launched a website, before, is now challenged and tested in and further developed my art. every detail of your business. The Heeding this call to adventure didn’t Every single aspect of birthing your come without anxiety, 3 a.m. wake up business is a tool that is both challenging calls, and some nail biting. But it also felt you to get past your comfort zone, to Business of like a liberation from being stuck at a smooth out your growing edges, to make standstill at this pivotal crossroads of my you pivot and see your life from a wider Becoming an life. Often what gave me strength was that perspective. conversation I had with my father at the Ideally, you would surround yourself Astrologer hospital. His faith in me motivated me to with others who are on this path too. Get keep going. the support of those who understand by Vanessa Couto

year ago I left my corporate A job. I walked away from the per- ceived security of a stable job to pursue my astrological coach- ing business full time. This was not an easy decision, but one that was long in the making. The prior year, as my father lay in the hospital after a lung transplant, he told me in his Sagittarius way, that if I wasn’t happy with my career, that I should do what I loved. Life was short and the time was now. Seeing my father struggle between life and death, while facing it all with true Sagittarius grit and optimism, I knew the time was now. Nothing like the specter of mortality to shine the light on what mat- ters. Yet, I struggled to take the leap from the security of my job to embark on devel- oping my astrological coaching business. I’m happy I took the bold step while my father was still alive. He was proud that I had taken the leap and committed to my dream. This January, less than a year after I left my corporate job, my father passed away. While I was writing the eulogy, I learned of how many people’s lives he touched with his work. In taking a gamble, risking everything, he managed to make his business thrive, while helping others on the way.

The Career page 63 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine what this journey is about. At times, your It can be hard to talk about what we beyond the cliché images that abound family and friends, although they may do exactly. It’s hard to create that eleva- the internet. want the best for you, are not the right tor speech that will get the point across In an age where branding is pervasive in support to get you going. in an engaging way. Get comfortable in every sphere of our lives, it behooves us As you step fully onto this path, you stumbling many times before it sounds to improve the way we are visually mod- will be deeply linked to what you believe smoother. eling our field, because this has deeper is your purpose and/or passion. Every I have found for myself, and for many repercussions for the future of astrology aspect of what you face on this journey other entrepreneurs that I’ve met so far and thriving astrologers. can be a healing tool for past traumas and on this journey, that the desire to do As for the social media jungle, it takes inadequacies. something may be clear in their hearts, time to become proficient in it, consider- This is not a journey for the faint of but it isn’t as easy to translate and make ing all the changes it goes through. heart and it can get overwhelming very it accessible to others. Words get in the I have found that each of the plat- fast. That’s even before you have to way, and not everyone has a knack for forms reveal different ways to tell a story: face the ‘tech dragons’ of websites, social copywriting. Twitter (bite size), Instagram (Image media, software and everything that is I feel that this is another part of the focused), and Facebook (storytelling) - to supposed to serve your business, but healing/spiritual journey of creating your name just a few. challenges you to climb ever higher on business. Looking for the why of your Once we know who we want to reach, that learning curve. business, is really an invitation to look and where they hang out in the web, then In reflecting about my own business, I under the hood to your soul’s purpose, we can craft our social media voice to fit can see how much healing it has brought not just in a spiritual language, but in a the way we will engage in the conversa- to me, and how it still does. practical language that can be understood tion. Social media requires that we learn I didn’t think it would be so imperative, by others (aka - your potential clients). to be storytellers: in audio, video, writ- but continuing your own inner work, ing and images. It’s important to try out whatever that may be, is imperative as Branding, marketing and you create and develop your business. social media - Don’t get lost Not just via astrology, but through other in the jungle. modalities as well. These words are often seen as challeng- Not to mention that whatever issues ing concepts by many in business, new or Looking for the you may be struggling with, will walk into established. It’s easy to get lost, confused your office as either clients with similar and frustrated with the cacophony of why of your issues, or you will face it in the world via what is possible to do. Often, we want to other doorways of your business. follow the ‘Field of Dreams’ movie mes- business, is really Your business has an uncanny way of sage: “Build it, and they will come.” an invitation to mirroring to you the very growing edges It takes a lot more to stand out today, of your psyche. to connect with clients and be seen. look under the When I announced at my previous job This is where I have found that working hood to your that I was leaving to develop my business, with my own birth chart from a business many people asked if I was excited, or they perspective to be a great tool. The work of soul’s purpose, expressed jealously at what they perceived Faye Cossar has been illuminating in my not just in a was my break from corporate prison. What own journey. Her article in The Mountain I consistently told them was that what I Astrologer (Create a Professional Brand spiritual language, knew was required of me on this journey Profile for You and Your Clients - June/July but in a practical was a mindset shift. I had been preparing 2013) was the light bulb that has helped myself for this shift, but nothing like being me hone my branding in a way that feels language that can in it to grasp how real it quickly gets. aligned to me. be understood So get ready to pivot your mindset Looking to my own Sun as the DNA of about any assumptions you have about my business, the Moon as the needs by others yourself when starting a business. of my clientele, my Ascendant as the outer packaging of my business brand- The Why of Your Business - ing, and finally the Midheaven as my or - how did I get on reputation was deeply helpful. This is just this ride? the starting point, and of course the rest I’m not sure about you, but it was excru- of your chart has a lot more to say about different modalities, and find which one ciating for me to write my personal profile how you can effectively brand yourself in feels more resonant with you. on a dating website. I always had to call in a way that is aligned to your true nature, It’s also important to have a cohesive- reinforcements from friends to help me not just what everyone else is doing. ness and consistency across all your talk about myself. Thankfully, I ended up My undergrad degree is in Advertising platforms - website and social media meeting my fiancé on a blind date set up and Marketing, and I have had a long accounts. Your brand, with its look and by one of my best friends. interest in how astrologers have been feel is already telling a subliminal story to In many ways, I feel that our business branding themselves, especially with the your potential client. Be sure it’s coherent profile, and the why we are doing it often preponderance of web presence. I believe with how you want to be seen and por- feels like we are creating our romantic that we as astrologers have a responsi- trayed. That’s why working with your birth profile, and our clients are our possible bility to up-level the look and feel of our chart, or your business chart, as a brand- partners. professional image in a way that goes ing tool is highly beneficial.

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 64 BUISNESS OF BECOMING essary fuel for how you are running your but I have found that in joining other mas- business. It’s a bit like managing a poison- terminds of entrepreneurs to be highly ous medicine, because if we let ourselves beneficial in opening new avenues of both Money and other demons - get drowned by comparisonitis’ quicksand, client work, and service in the world. Welcome to the dragon’s lair we will be lost. But if we can manage this Getting out of my comfort zone has Pricing is hard, especially early on in poisonous medicine, we can use the envy been the area that I’m pushing myself your practice. It’s hard to determine what that comes from seeing others’ accom- more lately. I want to get to know and is the right price for what we do. It’s not plishments as a way to get clear on what engage with different groups, widen my just the session per say, but all the prepa- we truly want to do with our business. perspective, while it helps me to hone my ration beforehand, the investment in your Envy has a way of revealing to us clearly own individual astrological voice. astrological education, and the concept of what we desire, but only if we are able to what is the value of your time. see and say: ‘like that, but my way’. One size does not fit all - Doing some due diligence of pricing The danger of comparison, especially in Finding your from various other astrologers and coach- your early days is that you may find your- astrological voice es helped me gauge the market. However, self doing things just because someone Speaking of astrological voice. it ends up being what I’m comfortable with else is doing it, and having success at it. When you have just hung your shingle charging, and how that shifts with time. However, that may not be a fit for you, and opened your business, it’s common Another element is learning the ins your business, and your brand. to lack the confidence in your own ‘voice’. and outs of the various payment systems However, there’s good medicine in This isn’t just in your copywriting, or in around. It’s a lot smoother now to install experiencing envy. how you carry your sessions, but in any PayPal (or Stripe, etc) in your website Envy may spur us out of our comfort other astrological endeavor you engage and have the ease of the one-click pay- zone, calling us to try out something dif- with: be it writing, doing videos, or record- ment. But the shadow aspects of how we ferent and experiment. ing a podcast. deal with money in this business is still It may be just the right fire to fuel your something that more astrology courses inner resources, discipline and concentra- or schools need to address in their cur- tion on a task: be it writing a book, releasing it’s important riculum. a podcast, submitting an article, etc. How we deal with money in our field Plus it’s in this trial and error journey to be able to is something that says much about the that we hone and craft our own individual communicate about collective shadow of being in a healing astrological voice. This in turn benefits not profession such as astrology. just us, but our clarity about the market astrology to the It still worries me that becoming an niche that we want to pursue. world in a way that astrologer isn’t yet considered a fully financially viable career. It is getting bet- Networking outside of your is jargon-free and ter, with more astrologers diversifying comfort zone yet informative. their portfolio of services. But how can Once we discover our tribe, it can be by others we improve this issue now and for future easy to stay in that safe pond. Depending generations? on your interests, you can find yourself On my journey, which is still early days, immersed in different groups, especially It’s ok to pick up pointers and meth- I have weaved art as one key ingredient of on social media, that are closely related to ods from various astrologers that you my portfolio of services. Plus it is aligned your interests. In many ways, we want val- admire, or envy, but ultimately, it’s best with my branding, and is an inherent idation from our colleagues, to learn from to shut out all the external voices for a spoke in my life’s wheel. our peers, and to collaborate with others bit, until you start to recognize your own I believe that we should be talking in our field. voice, and the way of expressing yourself about how we can make astrology a finan- But it can also create a cocoon expe- astrologically. cially viable career, address the money rience, where we become isolated from This is where being a member of dif- issues we have as a collective, and help other fields that could both inform and ferent masterminds, groups and com- younger astrologers with the business/ enrich our work in the world. Plus it’s munities will help you gain confidence in administrative aspect of their practice. For important to be able to communicate developing your own voice. I have found that I’m grateful that organizations such about astrology to the world in a way this to be the most challenging aspect of as OPA exist. that is jargon-free and yet informative. the journey, because it takes time to allow Joining other groups can be challenging, for all the other spokes of your life’s wheel ‘Comparisonitis’ - The gift of to inform you how to do this in a way that envy on your entrepreneur- is authentic and in alignment with your ial journey sense of Self. In any business journey, ‘compariso- The truth is that it just takes time, a lot of nitis’ will be a recurring gremlin on your trial and error, and failed attempts. All you shoulder. can do is dust yourself off, and carry on. During the early or even later stages, it will show up and trigger us. Especially Bedside manner - now with social media, it’s much easier to counseling skills see what others are doing, and how won- I’m very grateful to have a Masters in derfully they seem to be doing. Counseling Psychology. All that training in The envy that comes from getting lost in depth psychology has given me a lot more comparison mode can be used as the nec- than I could have anticipated. Having had

The Career page 65 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine the experience of seeing clients as a coun- ring groups being formed to educate and where you need to go in order to let selor now helps immensely as I work with support astrologers in their practices. go of an old self, and be able to be my coaching clients. reborn anew. However, I have already heard many The road ahead I believe that in continuing to do my disappointing stories of clients who have There’s much I still need to learn as I own inner work, not only benefits how I had bad experiences with other astrolo- continue to build my astrological coach- interact with the soul of my business, but gers. In a field as multi-layered as astrolo- ing business. I’m very grateful for the allows me to hold a bigger space for my gy, where many may not have done their more experienced astrologers that I’ve own clients’ alchemical transformation. own inner work and healing, it’s easy to met, and who have been generous to see how the collateral damage may end impart their wisdom around building a up being the clients. thriving practice. Vanessa Couto is an astrological coach, I believe that it behooves anyone think- artist and podcaster. She weaves astrolo- I have learned much, and will continue gy, depth psychology, storytelling and art ing of becoming an astrologer, to have to learn even more. I hope in the near in her coaching work. She's the creator some basic understanding of counseling future to be able to share more concrete of The Astrology of Joy coloring books, skills, to have at least undergone their and helpful tips, and pay it forward the where she merges mandala art and own therapy or to have some sort of knowledge I’ve received from others. astrological wisdom. Catch her podcast on iTunes: Liminal Astro Coaching where support/supervision group. My biggest take away so far has been she weaves myths, fairy tales and celes- We are only as good as our own contin- how much this journey is both spiritual tial wisdom to guide us on our inner jour- ued inner work. The deeper we dive into and healing. ney. www.vanessacouto.com our own healing, the more our psyche can Birthing one’s business is indeed a hold space for our client’s healing. I would heroic journey that will lead you exactly R also love to see more supervisory/mento-

symbolism. The author's frequent bible book of Revelation. He decodes messages references are necessary to connect the associated to certain stars through the Book Review dots between the symbolic language in constellations Aries, Pisces, and Aquarius. By Kathryn Andren Revelation and specific star systems with Cerow’s calculations specifically assert; astronomical planetary alignments at the “the shift of the Great Ages will be in end of the age of Pisces. The author sites full force when the Vernal Point reaches The 8th Seal - multiple examples from Revelation for Omega Piscium on February 11, 2013, the turning of the some 8 weeks after Its Time Is Now! ages from Pisces to the Winter Solstice Aquarius. of 2012”. Cracking the Code Early chapters The author’s are devoted to passionate and that Solves the creating insightful dedicated research Mystery of The Book astrological associ- supports an uplift- ations between the ing view on the “end of Revelation seven visible plan- of time”. He offers ets and the early unique in-depth BY DON CEROW Christian churches. coverage on a very The seven church- expansive topic. erhaps the “end of time” referenced es are Ephesus, This book serves in the Book of Revelation is not Smyrna, Pergamum, as a reminder that P so scary after all. Humanity has Thyatira, Sardis, during this magical entered a new age. Don Cerow’s pas- Philadelphia and time, “Life begins sionate research on the age of Aquarius Laodicea. These again. A new civ- is revealed in his recent book, The 8th cities are compared ilization, a New Seal, Its Time Is Now! Cracking the Code to qualities and Jerusalem born. that Solves the Mystery of The Book of intentions of the Not an urban, ter- Revelation. seven visible plan- restrial city, but a The Book of Revelation is full of rich ets in their exalted whole planet ready and complex symbolism. The author zodiac signs. The to acknowledge decodes many of the Bible’s cryptic text seven seals, bowls, all life as living with full detail. He slowly and clearly trumpets and under one heavenly builds a case that indicators for the turn- thunderclaps from Tent.” The author ing of the ages are presented symbolical- Revelation are fur- reminds readers ly in this book of prophecy. ther discussed in detail. that humanity’s evolution is being sup- His book appeals to astrologers with a By the end of the book, the author illu- ported on a new level. After many trials, specific interest in the precession of the minates how the procession of the vernal the human race has the opportunity equinox as well as for intellectuals who equinox over time correlates specifically to be married now to the Divine in this appreciate the rich language of ancient to symbolic language throughout the Age of Aquarius. R

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 66 Visit us online at OPAastrology.org OPA, The Organization for Professional Astrology, is dedicated to promoting excellence for astrologers. Incorporated on October 4, 2000 at 1:45 pm EDT in Tallahassee, Florida, OPA provides members with tools to establish or improve their astrological practice. Membership is open to aspiring and current astrologers. Benefits include subscription to the Career Astrologer and E-news, free monthly talks by top notch astrologers and members registration fees at OPA retreats and conferences. Annual dues are $60.00.

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The Career page 67 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 68 Interview with Kaypacha

newparadigmastrology.com

ASTROLOGY RISING Maurice Fernandez: CONFERENCE in COSTA Thank you for organizing this confer- ence as the leader of New Paradigm question and stimulate great conversa- RICA – May 6-12, 2017 community. How did it all start for you tions. I needed help as the request for Interview with organizer and founder of and how did the Pele Report pick up? readings was exploding and it was not the New Paradigm Community, Kaypacha. possible for me to manage alone. So I My inspiration and work with the Pele created the dream team where a group Report really started after my Kundalini of trusted astrologers could help provide Kaypacha (whose name means Yoga Teacher Training. This had a deep these services. Puma in Inca tradition) is the author impact on me and I began to perceive I found people in deep need, looking for of the inspiring astrology weekly things differently. Following that, I left my a tribe and like-minded souls to under- You-Tube report: the Pele Report relationship and gave everything away and stand them on their path of awakening, that covers the weekly transits with moved to Hawaii to eat bananas and swim and astrology is such a helpful tool to his infectious dramatic Leonian per- with dolphins. I got a little Logitech camera identify the soul spiritual dimensions and sonality and charisma. Kaypacha so that I could Skype with my kids who purpose for existence. It made sense to has more than 40 years of experi- were still on the mainland. I went out in my create the New Paradigm Community and ence with astrology and the healing backyard out there in Hawaii and I did a provide inspiration with a sense of unity arts. He created the New Paradigm little transit report for fun, goofing around to counterbalance their feeling of alien- Community in 2012, a thriving move- without any intention or specific purpose. I ation. It all happened without any plan, ment of people from all corners of put it up on Facebook, sent it to my friends very organically. the world, who are inspired to learn and people liked it…it expanded complete- and apply astrology knowledge to ly by word-of-mouth to reach a worldwide It seems that you landed into this role create a new paradigm. community with now 67,000 subscribers of leadership spontaneously. Kaypacha organized the and above 50,000 views per video. ASTROLOGY RISING conference in At some point, I was getting too many It came as a total surprise, and at times Costa Rica, where he currently resides emails and too many Facebook mes- my mind still tries to figure out how it all – This was a week-long educational sages as people wanted more astrology happened. and experiential Astrology event with so I thought it would be a good idea to guest speakers such as Rick Levine, have a forum where people can ask their Patricia Walsh, and the faculty of the New Paradigm Dream Team, Maurice Fernandez, Sol Jonassen, Christina Caudill, Timothy Halloran, Ari Moshe Wolf, Eugenia Krok, and Marci Winters. Attendees were not only invited to join lectures and learn astrology, but also to be part of a co-creating effort in the conference. On the last day of the conference, a dozen groups formed and each presented astrology-themed performances that included acts, such as “The Pluto Generations,” Healing prayers, Animal Totem Astrology, and musical performances. The event was a tremendous suc- cess, combining educational presenta- tions, experiential sessions, Yoga, the exotic Flamingo beach of Costa Rica, and a beautifully engaged community of astrology enthusiasts.

Conference Astrology Mandala

The Career page 69 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Tell us about your Spiritual name, Kaypacha

I received it from Mother Giamvati down at Matri Sadan in Brazil. It came through her in the middle of an ayahuasca sacred ceremony, and I feel it is part of a re-birth experience that I went through. She told me that it meant “master of the world of the senses.” It later came to light through my chart reading that I had much worldly power in previous lives and “caved in” a bit to the sensuous pleasures so I have come back again to master them! No small task ha ha!

Was this the beginning of your spiritual process and the growth that ensued publicly?

It really first came through a Kundalini Yoga session when I was in Hawaii on the Big Island with you. During the session, I broke down sobbing and it opened me up. So, you were an important player in this direction you should know. Palm Tree Yoga We can all really appreciate the generous spirit that you bring to the community. Astrologers tend to be very isolated and individualistic, but you build bridg- es and that’s very valuable in our times as astrology needs to expand.

Thank you very much for your contribution and this fabulous conference.

So much love

Christina Caudill: The Leo/Aquarius Nodes

Pluto Generations

Astro Drama Eugenia Krok Kaypacha in Action Conference Astrology Mandala

OPA’s Quarterly Magazine V26-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2017 page 70 Stars in the Sand – Closing Ceremony Don't Mess with Pluto

Merlin and the Priestesses

Tia Quin Magik Mandala

R

The Career page 71 Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine